GEORG TRONNIER (1873-1962) PELIKAN TINTE. Circa 1899. 28 3/4x21 inches. Klindworth, Hannover. Condition A-: minor repaired tears in margins. Although he became a religious painter later in his life, Tronnier clearly spent some of his youth as a respectful graphic designer. While he was living in Hannover he received a commission from the local company, Pelikan, to advertise their ink. Using only three colors, he has created an archetypal Jugendstil piece of a woman holding a jar of ink, surrounded by two decorative bands of birds, one vertical and one horizontal, reflected in what might be a sea of ink. The sophisticated outlining and play with black and white gives graphic sophistication to the piece. The delicate detail work at the top and bottom is an indication of the fine penmanship that could be achieved using this product. Pelikan always produced excellent posters during those years. DFP III 3275.
