[POSTER: Bradley, Will H.] Exquisite Original Printed Color Poster for The Chapbook, 1894: Called the First American Poster

Stunning original printed color lithographed poster by Will H. Bradley for The Chapbook, 1894. This famous poster was printed in 1894 by Stone and Kimball, famed Chicago publisher. Will H. Bradley 1868-11962), born in Boston, is widely considered one of the greatest American graphic artist and illustrator, known for his Art Nouveau stylized poster-like interpretations of figures. This 1894 design for Chap-Book, titled "The Twins," has been called the first American Art Nouveau poster; this and other posters for the magazine brought him widespread recognition and popularity. Bradley founded The Wayside Press in Springfield in 1895 and produced the now famous monthly periodical, "Bradley, His Book. This poster for The Chapbook, 1894, is striking in its Art Nouveau quality, and very much the pinnacle of Bradley's poster art, depicting identical twins in profile with matching orange dresses and green hair. Sight size 19 1/4" x 13 1/2",Frame 25" x 19 1/4" Signed "Will H. Bradley" lower left. Provenance from the Ainsworth Gallery, Boston. From the property of the Boston Company, Inc., Asset Management. Light folds lower left, otherwise excellent condition, archival frame and mat.