The Chicago Sunday Tribune by William H. Bradley

The Chicago Sunday Tribune

William H. Bradley · 1888

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“This captivating zincograph for *The Chicago Sunday Tribune* showcases a bold, stylized woman and dynamic lines, a prime example of late 19th-century poster art transforming commercial illustration into a vibrant art form.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

A stylized woman, her hair flowing like tendrils of smoke, gazes out from this striking advertisement for The Chicago Sunday Tribune. Her profile is sharply defined against a background of swirling, almost Art Nouveau-esque lines, creating a sense of dynamic movement despite the static pose. The bold, flat colors and strong outlines are characteristic of the emerging poster art of the late 19th century, a period when artists began to explore new ways to capture attention in a rapidly modernizing world. This zincograph, a printmaking technique similar to lithography, allowed for the mass production of such eye-catching designs, making high-quality art accessible on newspaper stands and city walls. It reflects a moment when commercial illustration was transforming into a significant art form, influencing everything from graphic design to fine art.

DETAILS
Artist
William H. Bradley
Date
1888
Medium
Zincograph on paper
Location
Art Institute of Chicago
Dimensions
Image: 54 × 40.3 cm (21 5/16 × 15 7/8 in.); Sheet: 54.9 × 41 cm (21 5/8 × 16 3/16 in.)
Collection
Prints and Drawings
Culture
United States
Credit line
Gift of George F. Porter
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What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

The Chicago Sunday Tribune
01

The woman’s hair, which twists into elegant, flame-like shapes.

02

The intricate, almost calligraphic lines that fill the background.

03

The way the text "The Chicago Sunday Tribune" is integrated into the design.

04

The limited color palette of black, white, and a muted yellow-orange.

AUDIO DEEP DIVE

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The full narration walks you through The Chicago Sunday Tribune — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.

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THE ARTIST
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