1914 Adolph Friedlander Lithograph Poster E. Merian Dog Comedy Soldiers Quarter For Sale

1914 Adolph Friedlander Lithograph Poster E. Merian Dog Comedy Soldiers Quartered

Original 1914 vintage stone lithograph poster promoting E. Merian’s theatrical dog comedy sketch, “Soldiers Quartered” (Einquartierung). Printed by the renowned theatrical lithography firm Adolph Friedlander in Hamburg, Germany, this vibrant poster features a charming and whimsical anthropomorphic scene set in a traditional German beer hall. Canines dressed in blue military uniforms smoke pipes and cigars around a table featuring Hofbräuhaus-style steins, while a stylishly costumed dog in traditional Bavarian dirndl attire commands the foreground.

Dimensions: 37 ½” x 28 ⅛”

Medium: Color stone lithograph, linen-backed

Condition: Grade A-/B+, with professional minor touch-ups at the folds and edges. Displays exceptional color saturation and visual impact.

Maker Biography: Adolph Friedlander (1851–1904 / Firm History)

Adolph Friedlander established his legendary lithographic printing establishment in Hamburg, Germany, in 1872. Initially focused on commercial printing, the company evolved to dominate European entertainment advertising, becoming the premier printer for circuses, vaudeville acts, magic shows, animal troupes, and theatrical revues across the globe. Friedlander posters are celebrated for their explosive, brilliant use of color, masterful stone lithography techniques, and rich detail. Even after Adolph Friedlander’s passing, the firm continued under his name, maintaining its world-class artistic standard well into the 20th century before closing with the disruptions of World War II. Today, Friedlander lithographs are highly prized museum-quality collectibles.

Historical Information & Interesting Facts

Theatrical Animal Acts: At the turn of the 20th century, highly sophisticated animal sketch acts—featuring dogs, cats, and exotic animals costumed and trained to perform human-like theatrical vignettes—were an immense sensation in European and American vaudeville theaters.

The 1914 Context: Printed right on the brink of World War I in Hamburg, this poster reflects the lighthearted popular entertainment of the era, contrasting sharply with the massive military mobilization happening across Europe at the exact same time.

Iconography: The scene playfully incorporates classic German cultural tropes, including traditional tavern interiors with traditional ceramic tile stoves (Kachelofen), hunting trophies, regional folk costumes, and beer steins marked with "HB" (hinting at Munich's famous Hofbräuhaus culture).

Printer's Mark: Features the authentic, highly recognizable sawtooth printer's emblem of Lith. Adolph Friedlander, Hamburg, alongside the specific publisher/catalog number 6300 in the lower corner.