The history of posters begins in the 15th century with woodcut broadsides, which were crude, text-heavy announcements selling everything from religious indulgences to political decrees. But the modern poster as we know it, emerged in the late 19th century, propelled by the Industrial Revolution and the blossoming field of lithography. This new technology allowed for mass production of vibrant, colourful images, perfect for capturing the attention of urban crowds.

Paris of the 1920s became the artistic hub for these posters. Jules Chéret, the "father of the modern poster," seduced onlookers with his graceful Art Nouveau figures promoting theatres and more...

Born in New South Wales in 1942, Martin Sharp studied art and architecture in Sydney. He was a painter, cartoonist and designer, was art editor of 'Oz' magazine, and did cartoons for a number of newspapers and magazines including the 'Bulletin' and 'Sydney Morning Herald'. Martin Sharp exhibited in London, Sydney and Melbourne, and from 1965 to 1974 travelled extensively. His work is represented in Australian and overseas public and private collections. He died in 2013.

16 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

Martin Sharp (1942-2013), the Venetian twins (Nimrod series),…

"Venetian Twins" by Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp (1942-2013), the Venetian twins (Nimrod series), silkscreen 873/1000, signed lower right, 109 x 75 cm, 110 x 84 cm overall

Martin Sharp (1942-2013), Kold Komfort Kaffee (Nimrod series),…

Kold Komfort Kaffee by Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp (1942-2013), Kold Komfort Kaffee (Nimrod series), silkscreen 873/1000, signed lower right, 101 x 48 cm, 115 x 58 cm overall

Martin Sharp (1942-2013), Sideshow in Burlesco (Nimrod series),…

Sideshow in Burlesco

Martin Sharp (1942-2013), Sideshow in Burlesco (Nimrod series), silkscreen 873/1000, signed lower right, 107 x 45 cm, 122 x 55 cm overall

Martin Sharp (1942-2013), Kaspar (Nimrod series), silkscreen…

Kaspar by Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp (1942-2013), Kaspar (Nimrod series), silkscreen 873/1000, signed lower right, 63 x 47 cm, 87 x 62 cm overall

Martin Sharp (1942 - 2013), Sideshow in Burlesco (Nimrod),…

Sideshow in Burlesco

Martin Sharp (1942 - 2013), Sideshow in Burlesco (Nimrod), Screen-printed poster, editioned 241/1000 lower left, dated 2.12.82 centre; signed lower right, framed & glazed, overall 108 x 46 cm.

Martin Sharp (1942 - 2013), Kold Komfort Kaffee (Nimrod),…

Kold Komfort Kaffee (Nimrod) Screen-printed Poster

Martin Sharp (1942 - 2013), Kold Komfort Kaffee (Nimrod), Screen-printed poster, editioned 241/1000 lower left, dated 2.12.82 centre; signed lower right, framed & glazed, overall 110 x 46 cm.

Martin Sharp (1942-2013), Nimrod 10, screenprint, 1980,…

Nimrod 10

Martin Sharp (1942-2013), Nimrod 10, screenprint, 1980, editioned (870/1000) in lower margin; signed lower right, framed & glazed, overall 105 x 79 cm.

Martin Sharp (1942 - 2013) Sunshine Superman (Donovan), 1968…

Sunshine Superman lithograph by Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp (1942 - 2013) Sunshine Superman (Donovan), 1968 offset lithograph on paper, Printed by Big O Posters, 78 x 53.5 cm.

Martin Sharp, (Australian, 1942 - 2013), [Sydney Opera House],…

Sharp's Opera House Anniversary Screenprint

Martin Sharp, (Australian, 1942 - 2013), [Sydney Opera House], 1983 colour screenprint, initialled 'S' in image lower right, signed and dated '5.4.92' in ink on image lower centre, 100 x 74 cm. Linen-backed. The poster is a text-free version of the 1983…

Martin Sharp, poster for the Adelaide Festival of Arts, 1982,…

Adelaide Festival of Arts Poster 1982 by Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp, poster for the Adelaide Festival of Arts, 1982, lithograph, framed and glazed, 57 x 97 cm

Martin Sharp (1942-2013), cover for Art book 1972, collage, 16.…

Art Book Cover 1972 by Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp (1942-2013), cover for Art book 1972, collage, 16.5 x 20.5 cm. Provenance: Roslyn Oxley9, Sydney, 1986 (label verso, cat.no. 34)

Martin Sharp (1942-2013), Manet/Magritte 1971-72, collage, 17 x…

Manet/Magritte Collage by Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp (1942-2013), Manet/Magritte 1971-72, collage, 17 x 22 cm. Provenance: Roslyn Oxley9, Sydney, 1986 (label verso)

Martin Sharp poster Festival of Sydney 1982, mounted on board,…

Sydney Festival 1982 Poster by Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp poster Festival of Sydney 1982, mounted on board, 102 cm x 76 cm approx.

Theatrical Poster: 'Nimrod' colour lithographic poster with…

Nimrod: Theatrical Poster with Martin Sharp Artwork

Theatrical Poster: 'Nimrod' colour lithographic poster with artwork by Martin Sharp featuring an image of 'Mo' (Roy Rene' signed and dated, titled and numbered 24/100 in pencil in lower margin; 119 x 79 cm, laid down on linen.

Martin Sharp, Sideshow in Burlesso, approx 107 cm x 46 cm

Sideshow Burlesque: Martin Sharp's Masterpiece

Martin Sharp, Sideshow in Burlesso, approx 107 cm x 46 cm

Martin Sharp, Kold Komfort, approx 109 cm x 46 cm

Kold Komfort by Martin Sharp

Martin Sharp, Kold Komfort, approx 109 cm x 46 cm