Ramon Casas: the art of the poster during the Belle Époque

The streets of cities during the Belle Époque must have been a visual spectacle, full of colorful posters advertising everything from drinks to theater shows. In the midst of this advertising boom, one name stood out: Ramon Casas . Now, the Pinnae Foundation pays tribute to this master of Modernism with an exhibition that can be visited at the Berger Balaguer Forum in Vilafranca del Penedès until March 2.

This exhibition brings together a selection of more than twenty works, including iconic posters, sketches and original projects, that transport us directly to his time. What made Casas special was his ability to capture the essence of his time and convert it into elegant and direct images. He was a pioneer in Catalonia in understanding the poster as an art form, drawing inspiration from what was happening in the rest of Europe, especially in Paris, where he first traveled at the age of 15. There he was fascinated by the artistic avant-garde and by the work of creators such as Jules Chéret and Toulouse-Lautrec, who revolutionized poster design thanks to advances in chromolithography.

But Casas' talent was not limited to the admiration of his French contemporaries. With his refined style and his ability to synthesize messages in a visually striking way, he became one of the most sought-after artists of the moment. His famous poster for Anís del Mono and his collaboration with Codorniu in 1898 consolidated him as an essential figure in advertising design. In total, he created more than 250 works, many of which have become authentic icons today.

The exhibition, curated by Gabriel Pinós , invites us to rediscover an artist who was not only a master of line and color, but also a visual chronicler of his time. Through his posters we can relive the bustle of the Catalan bourgeoisie, the sophistication of Parisian life and the optimism of an era that celebrated modernity. His feminine portraits, full of delicacy and elegance, and his ability to capture the light and dynamism of cities make him an indisputable reference. Casas understood that the poster was much more than an advertising tool: it was an art form with a powerful capacity for communication. His legacy lives on and his influence can still be perceived today in graphic design and contemporary illustration. The exhibition is an opportunity to delve into his universe and rediscover how he transformed the visual language of his time.