Hans Sollfrank - Fritz Rehm

A striking Jugendstil advertising poster by Fritz Rehm for a Munich tobacco merchant, featuring bold silhouettes and a warm, golden-yellow palette.

This lithographic poster by Fritz Rehm advertises the tobacco shop of Hans Sollfrank, located on Theatinerstrasse in Munich. Rehm, a graphic designer associated with the Jugendstil movement, employs a bold, graphic approach typical of early twentieth-century German commercial art. The composition features two men in a dialogue, one seated and smoking, the other standing in silhouette. The use of flat colour planes and strong outlines creates a clear, legible image suitable for public display.

The colour palette relies on a contrast between the warm, golden-yellow background and the deep, dark tones of the figures and text. This visual strategy draws the eye to the central figures before guiding the viewer to the promotional information below. The typography is characteristic of the period, featuring heavy, geometric letterforms that integrate with the overall design rather than appearing as an afterthought.

Rehm captures a specific social atmosphere, reflecting the refined, urban culture of Munich at the turn of the century. The inclusion of the phrase 'Hoflieferant Sr. K. Hoheit des Prinzen Alphons v. Bayern' indicates the shop's status as a purveyor to the Bavarian royal court, a common marketing tactic of the era to establish quality and prestige. The work functions as both a functional advertisement and a piece of graphic design that reflects the aesthetic priorities of the Munich Secessionist circle. By stripping away unnecessary detail, Rehm achieves a directness that remains effective for modern viewers interested in the history of commercial printing and the development of the modern poster.