In 1980, Champagne Castellane reissued a special commemorative series of its most famous poster designs to celebrate its advertising legacy. This smaller-format edition (16 x 24 inches) was printed directly by Castellane in France using offset lithography and faithfully reproduces the original design by Leonetto Cappiello. The poster is in excellent condition, mounted on quality paper, and was part of the official limited promotional campaign issued by the champagne house.
Description and History
Leonetto Cappiello (1875–1942) was one of the most celebrated poster artists of the early 20th century, often called the father of modern advertising. Known for his bold colors and whimsical compositions, Cappiello revolutionized commercial art by replacing the elaborate Art Nouveau style with striking, simplified imagery focused on single, memorable figures.
Cappiello’s Champagne de Castellane poster design originally dates from the early 20th century and features his trademark dynamic energy—a joyful, celebratory spirit perfectly suited to the brand’s refined image. Castellane, one of France’s oldest Champagne houses founded in Épernay in 1895, became renowned for its distinctive red diagonal stripe label and its association with French elegance and festivity.
The 1980 reissue by Castellane served both as a tribute to the golden age of poster art and as an homage to Cappiello’s enduring influence on advertising and design.
Artist: Leonetto Cappiello
Date: 1980
Printer: Castellane
Size: 16 x 24 inches
Print Type: Offset Lithography
Condition: Excellent “A”
Comments: Official 1980 reissue by Champagne Castellane in celebration of its historic poster campaigns.
Cachou Lajaunie was created by Leonetto Cappiello in 1900 for the French maker of Cachou Lajaunie breath mints and printed by Imprimerie Vercasson, Paris. The image shows an elegantly dressed woman enjoying the product, presented against a simple background to emphasize the figure and the brand name. At this time, stone lithography was the standard method for high-quality advertising posters, allowing for precise color and detail.
This poster comes from the early years of Cappiello’s career and from the period when Art Nouveau dominated European design. It illustrates how commercial posters were used both to advertise products and to convey a sense of fashion and modern life.
The poster has been mounted on linen using archival materials and is graded “Excellent A.”
Artist: Cappiello, Leonetto Printer: Devambez, Italy Size: 27.5 x 39″ / 70 x 100 cm On/Off Linen: On Linen Print Technique: lithograph (2 weeks to linenback delay) Year: 1921
This rare and iconic poster by Leonetto Cappiello was created for Bitter Campari in Italy. In excellent condition, it features vibrant colors and no restorations, a true testament to its preservation. This specific version is particularly rare, printed on heavier paper with a light varnish. Advertisers like Campari used such high-quality materials to ensure the poster’s durability, allowing it to endure outdoor display with greater resilience.
Known as the “Spiritello,” the poster depicts a pierrot clown wrapped in an orange peel, symbolizing the zest and vibrancy of Campari. This design is widely regarded as the most famous and iconic image created for Campari, and one of the most influential works by Cappiello.
Campari, an iconic Italian aperitif, has long been celebrated for its creative advertising. This poster is a prime example of the brand’s innovative approach and the golden age of Italian advertising. For collectors, it represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of advertising history, blending artistry, culture, and timeless appeal.
The Moulin Rouge the most famous Cabaret in the world from the 1890’s right up to today. Frenesie Watusi with 40 Dancers doing the Cancan and other spectacular acts. Poster is in excellent condition on linen A. The act featuring the 40 Chorus girls dancing the Cancan and the Watusi.
The “Frenesie Watusi” was a performance featured at the Moulin Rouge in Paris, known for its vibrant and extravagant shows. This revue became a key part of the cabaret’s repertoire in the 1960s and 1970s. The performance combined sensuality and exoticism, blending traditional and contemporary dance styles. Inspired by the popular Watusi dance of the time, it showcased energetic movements with bold and rhythmic steps.
The Moulin Rouge was famous for its exotic themes, and the “Frenesie Watusi” performance was no exception, capturing the energy and excitement of cultural references from different parts of the world. The dancers performed in vibrant costumes, adding visual flair and adding to the spectacle. This high-energy performance captivated audiences, with sensual choreography and evocative music, making it a thrilling part of the cabaret’s legendary history.
The Moulin Rouge’s legacy as a center of artistic expression continued with performances like “Frenesie Watusi,” contributing to its status as one of the most iconic cabarets in the world.
Moulin Rouge Fascination poster by Rene Gruau on linen.
Artist: Gruau, Rene
Printer: Lido
Size: 16 x 24″ / 40 x 60 cm
On/Off Linen: On Linen
Print Technique: Offset lithograph
Year: 1976
Condition & Comments: Excellent condition on linen
Rene Gruau created the Bal du Moulin Rouge poster in 1976. It was for the Fascination show at the famous Moulin Rouge in Paris. This iconic cabaret showcases 40 Doriss Girls performing the Cancan. Opened in 1889, the Moulin Rouge became a hub for artists like Toulouse-Lautrec, who captured its vibrant life through drawings and paintings.
The Doriss Girls play a key role in the Moulin Rouge experience. They are well-known for their energetic performances, particularly during the Cancan. This lively French dance features high kicks, quick leg movements, and colorful costumes, typically with full skirts and frilly petticoats.
Moreover, the Doriss Girls usually perform in large groups of about 40 dancers. Creating a stunning visual spectacle. Their synchronized routines combine glamour with theatricality. As a result, they are a highlight of the Moulin Rouge shows. Ultimately, the vibrant performances of the Doriss Girls, along with the Cancan dance, enrich the cabaret’s history and capture the essence of celebration in Parisian nightlife.
Artist: Gruau, Rene Printer: Lido Size: 189 x 126″ / 4.80m x 3.20m On/Off Linen: Delay approx 2 weeks to linen-back before delivery Print Technique: lithograph Year: 1958 Condition & Comments: Excellent condition on linen
Lido Quelle Nuit 1964 poster by Rene Gruau on linen
RARE Poster is a an original printing done for the Lido’s Grand Prix show. This is the Billboard size and is usually put on several panels together. It is in excellent condition and mounted on linen
Artist: Gruau, Rene Printer: Lido Size: 189 x 142″ / 4.80m x 3.60m On/Off Linen: Delay approx 2 weeks to linen-back before delivery Print Technique: lithograph Year: 1958 Condition & Comments: Excellent condition on linen
Lido Prestige 1958 poster by Rene Gruau on linen
RARE Poster is a an original printing done for the Lido’s Grand Prix show. This is the Billboard size and is usually put on several panels together. It is in excellent condition and mounted on linen
Artist: Gruau, Rene Printer: Lido Size: 189 x 126″ / 4.80m x 3.20m On/Off Linen: Delay approx 2 weeks to linen-back before delivery Print Technique: lithograph Year: 1964 Condition & Comments: Excellent condition on linen
Lido Grand Prix 1964 poster by Rene Gruau on linen
RARE Poster is a an original printing done for the Lido’s Grand Prix show. This is the Billboard size and is usually put on several panels together. It is in excellent condition and mounted on linen