Bidspirit auction | Franz Krausz. Original design for

Franz Krausz. Original design for a poster. Cigarette advertisement mockup - Design for a promotional poster by Franz Krausz. [Land of Israel, 1930s or 1940s]. Gouache on paper, mounted on wooden board. Signed: Krausz. At the center of the design is a man holding a cigarette and bringing it close to a flame to light it. At the bottom of the design appears the bold inscription: DUBEK. Approx. 10.5 × 8 cm. Mounted on a passe-partout and framed in a new metal frame with glass. Very good condition. Franz Krausz (1905–1998) was one of the most prominent and influential graphic designers active in the Land of Israel during the pre-state period and the early years of the State of Israel. Born in Vienna, Austria, Krausz was trained in modernist European graphic design and studied at the Academy of Applied Arts in Vienna. With the rise of the Nazis and increasing antisemitism across Europe, he immigrated to the Land of Israel in 1934 and settled in Tel Aviv, which over the years became the central arena of his artistic activity. After establishing an independent graphic design studio, Krausz quickly became a central figure in the country’s cultural and commercial landscape. He collaborated with major Zionist institutions, public bodies, commercial companies, and newspapers, creating a visual language that was innovative and distinct, rooted in clear modernist principles. His posters were characterized by clean lines, precise composition, careful typography, and vibrant colors with iconic imagery. Krausz had a unique ability to translate Zionist, industrial, and cultural ideals into eye-catching images that spoke directly to the public. One of Krausz’s most iconic and enduring designs is the “Flying Camel” – the symbol of the Levant Fair in Tel Aviv, which over time became a design icon and emblem of an era. The winged camel soaring over Eastern and Mediterranean landscapes reflected the spirit of pioneering, progress, and vision that the Land of Israel sought to present to the world. In addition to his public commissions, Krausz designed posters for companies such as Tnuva, El Al, and Koor, and also created stamps, book covers, product labels, and logos. He designed posters for national events, fairs, festivals, and exhibitions, always upholding high artistic standards and delivering a clear visual message. Krausz’s legacy remains vibrant. His posters have become rare collectibles and are exhibited in museums, galleries, and private collections in Israel and abroad—including the Israel Museum, the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and Beit Ariella. His work is now studied as an integral part of the development of visual design in Israel and continues to inspire generations of designers and artists. Franz Krausz passed away in 1998, but his imprint on the visual identity of modern Israeli culture remains deeply etched in the collective memory.