Eugène Samuel Grasset (Lausanne, May 25, 1841 - Sceaux, 23 October 1917) was a French artist of Swiss origin, and a pioneer of the Art Nouveau style. His style is often compared to that of Walter Crane.
Grasser was originally studied architecture in Zurich, but in 1871 he relocated to Paris and eventually became a French citizen. He was influenced by the new art movements of the tume including symbolism, the Pre-Raphaelites and the drawings Gustave Doré. Leaving architecture behind, Grasser began creating graphic arts and works in the Decorative Arts genre.
He became very well lnown and much in demand for his poster deigns, including advertising posters and billboards for the Opera and the actress Sarah Bernhardt. However he had a varied and eclectic output including designing postage stamps, book cover illustrations, and even new typographical fonts. He also pioneered methods of printing color photography which revolutionized the publishing industry.
