Art deco postcard

Art Deco postcards merge bold geometry and vibrant colors, capturing the glamour and modernity of the 1920s and 1930s.

About this subject

Art Deco was a design movement that flourished between 1925 and 1939, gaining prominence at the International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris. Postcards in this style are known for their geometric shapes, stylized straight or curved lines, use of contrasting colors such as black, gold, red, and blue, and themes celebrating progress, speed, and luxury. They often depicted skyscrapers, ocean liners, automobiles, and elegant female figures.

Influential Art Deco postcard designers include French artist Erté (Romain de Tirtoff), famous for his elongated female figures and theatrical settings, and American illustrator Rockwell Kent, who produced stylized landscapes for books and postcards. During the movement's peak, these postcards were popular as travel souvenirs and correspondence among the upper classes. The style also incorporated influences from Egyptian, Aztec, and Japanese art, visible in repetitive patterns and simplified natural motifs.

Collecting Art Deco postcards has become a valued hobby, with rare pieces fetching high prices at auctions. Printing quality was high, using techniques like lithography and photogravure, ensuring vibrant colors and fine detail. In Brazil, Art Deco influenced architecture and graphic design, and postcards from the era feature icons like the Copan Building in São Paulo and Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Today, these postcards are studied as historical documents reflecting the values and aesthetics of an era of optimism and transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What characterizes the design of an Art Deco postcard?

Art Deco postcard design features geometric shapes, stylized straight or curved lines, contrasting colors (black, gold, red, blue), and themes of progress, luxury, and modernity. Motifs inspired by Egyptian, Aztec, and Japanese art are also common.

Who were the main designers of Art Deco postcards?

Key designers include Erté (Romain de Tirtoff), known for elegant female figures and theatrical scenes, and Rockwell Kent, who created stylized landscapes. Others like Georges Barbier and Paul Iribe also contributed to the period's aesthetic.

Where can I find original Art Deco postcards for collecting?

Original Art Deco postcards can be found at antique shops, collector fairs, specialized online auctions, and vintage selling websites. Museums and libraries also have collections that can be viewed digitally.