Born in Munich, Germany in July, 1871, Holwein started his professional career as an architect, but in 1895, induced by his love of color and the desire to produce colorful posters, he began a new career as a poster designer. Immediately, he established an enviable reputation and was soon recognized as the leader of his field. His works are always striking and original, his colour harmonies unusual and superb, and his technique at once recognizable and inimitable. Undoubtedly, many of his productions bear the distinctive mark of an architect, while others are endowed with the qualities of mural decor, while still others denote the frequency with which he has been influenced by Japanese prints. Throughout his entire career as poster artist, he successfully maintained a high standard of excellence in his work. His versatility seems unbounded. One need only glance through the present collection of his works to realize and appreciate the remarkable and charming qualities of the modern decorative poster designer, Ludwig Hohlwein.