Bunter Ball im Zoo
Artist
Walter Hofmann
1906 - 1973
Datec. 1932
Dimensions35 1/4 x 23 3/4 in. (89.5 x 60.3 cm)
ClassificationsPoster
Credit LinePoster House Permanent Collection
Object numberPH.857
DescriptionWalter Hofmann was an Austrian graphic designer based in Vienna, where he established his first studio in 1929. After the war, he became a successful poster designer, producing advertisements for Austrian newspapers, travel in Austria, and many popular brands, including Nivea face cream. In this poster, announcing a ball at the zoo, Hofmann makes a visual play on the idea, showing a monkey standing on a colorful ball as he plays the saxophone. As late as 1934, the Austrian capital was a socialist stronghold known as "Red Vienna"; at least fifty-five percent of its population of two million inhabitants was working-class. In response to the demands of both proletarians and progressives in the city, the Social Democratic Workers Party of Austria (SDAP) introduced a huge number of institutions and programs to empower the working class; the women's employment assistance program celebrated at the ball was one of them.On View
Not on view
