History of Poster Art
From parade bulletins to collectible fine art — the evolution of Mardi Gras visual culture spanning over 140 years.
The tradition of Mardi Gras poster art is as rich and colorful as Carnival itself. What began as functional parade announcements in the late 1800s has evolved into a sophisticated art form that captures the essence of New Orleans culture.
Today, collecting Mardi Gras posters is a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. Each year's release becomes a time capsule of that Carnival season, with earlier editions becoming valuable collector's items.
A Timeline of Tradition
The Beginning
Original chromolithographed parade bulletins emerge as early forms of Carnival visual art. These functional pieces announced parade routes and times.
Rex Proclamations
Rex organization begins posting elaborate proclamations in train depots and public spaces, establishing visual traditions that continue today.
Travel Posters
Mardi Gras becomes featured in tourism campaigns. Travel posters depicting Carnival festivities help spread New Orleans' fame nationally.
Modern Expression
Movie posters, book illustrations, and commercial art featuring Mardi Gras themes flourish. The French Quarter art colony attracts creative talent.
First Collectible Editions
George Berke and Michael P. Smith create the first limited edition collectible Mardi Gras prints, establishing the art poster market.
The Serigraph Era
ProCreations produces high-quality silkscreened serigraphs that elevate Mardi Gras posters to fine art status. Collecting becomes a tradition.
Andrea Mistretta Begins
Andrea Mistretta's first poster, 'Mercredi Des Cendre,' launches what would become the longest continuously running Mardi Gras poster series in history.
The Golden Age
Peak era of Mardi Gras poster art. Multiple artists produce annual releases, creating a vibrant collector's market and cultural tradition.
Phoenix Rising
Andrea's post-Katrina poster becomes a symbol of New Orleans' resilience and renewal, demonstrating the cultural power of Carnival art.
40 Years of Magic
Andrea Mistretta's 'Grande Finale' celebrates four decades of continuous poster art, cementing her legacy as 'The Queen of Mardi Gras Posters.'
Cultural Significance
Mardi Gras posters serve as more than decorative art — they're cultural artifacts that document the evolution of Carnival tradition. Each poster captures the spirit of its year, from the exuberant celebrations to the deeper themes that reflect New Orleans society.
For collectors, these posters represent a connection to shared history. Many families display years of posters in their homes, creating visual timelines of Carnival memories. The tradition of unveiling each year's poster has become an event itself, marking the approaching Carnival season.
Andrea Mistretta's 40-year contribution to this tradition is unmatched. Her consistent artistic vision has created a cohesive body of work that documents nearly half a century of Mardi Gras celebration, making her truly "The Queen of Mardi Gras Posters."