Das Plakat (magazine)

Das Plakat was a highly influential German art and graphic design magazine published from 1910 to 1921. Founded in Berlin by Hans Sachs, it served as a key platform for promoting and showcasing the Plakatstil (Poster Style), also known as Sachplakat (Object Poster), a minimalist and objective approach to poster design characterized by flat colors, simplified shapes, and a focus on the product itself.

The magazine played a significant role in elevating the status of poster design from mere advertising to a respected art form. It featured reproductions of posters from leading artists of the era, including Lucian Bernhard, Julius Klinger, and Ludwig Hohlwein, and provided critical commentary on the aesthetics and effectiveness of different poster designs.

Das Plakat not only presented exemplary work but also served as a forum for discussion about the burgeoning field of advertising graphics, influencing designers, artists, and businesses alike. Its impact extended beyond Germany, contributing to the development of modern advertising and graphic design principles worldwide. The magazine ceased publication in 1921 due to economic difficulties following World War I. However, its legacy as a crucial document of early 20th-century design remains significant.