The evolution of the art of poster-making in Poland has an intrinsic link with historical developments that have shaped the country. The movement began in the late 19th century, when Russia, Austria and Germany still held sway over different parts of the region. This was also when colour lithography gained prominence in France, popularising the mass production of printed posters. And the first wave of Polish artists kept their work rooted in folklore and traditional paintings, while also keeping a window of influence open for the modernist movement that was taking place in other parts of the continent.

This 1917 poster by Bogdan Nowakowski borrows elements from folklore to spur donations for a charity drive for children.