Sort paa Hvidt | 1917

Sort paa Hvidt – Køb hver Torsdag, 1917, by Sven Brasch (1886–1970)

This 1917 poster by Danish artist Sven Brasch advertises "Sort paa Hvidt" ("Black on White"), a Danish satirical weekly magazine published from 1915 to 1919. The composition features a stylised black figure riding a zebra, set against a white background, effectively playing on the black-and-white theme. The bold, minimalist design employs strong contrasts and dynamic lines, characteristic of Brasch's modernist approach. The text "Køb hver Torsdag" ("Buy every Thursday") indicates the magazine's weekly release schedule.

Sven Brasch was renowned for his contributions to Danish poster art during the early 20th century, particularly for his work with the lithographic company Kruckow-Waldorff A/S, which printed many of his designs. Kruckow-Waldorff, established in 1892, was a prominent Danish lithographic firm known for producing posters, playing cards, and reproductions of famous artworks. Their collaboration with Brasch resulted in some of the era's most iconic Danish posters. 

"Sort paa Hvidt" magazine was known for its satirical content, providing commentary on societal and political issues of the time. Brasch's poster captures the publication's essence through its clever visual metaphor and striking aesthetic, reflecting the cultural landscape of Denmark during World War I.