Baudelaire, Les Fleurs du Mal: Typographic Portrait Poster

A face takes shape in verse. We created this typographic portrait from lines in The Flowers of Evil, layering them until light and shade form a composed profile. From across the room, you see the shape; closer in, the poetry comes into view. A monochrome palette lets the words carry the image, while the silhouette remains clear. There’s a quiet French note to it, too.

Variable line weights, close-set lettering and carefully measured spacing create the shading: the text reads like charcoal, while the gaps become highlights. It works above a desk or beside a reading chair, and sits comfortably with oak, black metal or brass frames, whether in a period home or a modern flat. Explore the complete Written Faces typographic collection to discover more pieces where literature draws its own portrait.

• Design notes: layers of fine lettering create halftone depth and a clean outline.
• Atmosphere: thoughtful and bookish, with a hint of night-time mood.
• Colours: deep black fading to ash grey against a clear background.
• Sizes: available in a range of formats to suit your wall.

We print with crisp detail, keeping the verses legible without disturbing the overall composition. Choose a size, find a frame you love, and give the poems a quiet place on your wall.