Original Italian advertising poster promoting Amaro Valsesia, a traditional bitter digestivo produced in the Valsesia region of northern Italy. The design features a young woman in regional dress presenting a bottle of the liqueur, set before the distillery buildings of Agostino Brugo & C. Snow-covered Alpine peaks rise in the background, referencing the mountainous landscape where many of the herbs used in the production of the amaro were sourced.
Amaro, a category of Italian herbal liqueur traditionally enjoyed after meals, was widely advertised during the early twentieth century as both a digestive and a tonic. Posters such as this combined regional imagery with appealing figures to associate the product with the natural environment and traditions of northern Italy.
Printed in Italy by Gros. Monti & Cie., this large-format lithograph reflects the strong graphic style typical of Italian commercial posters of the interwar period.
Artist: Anonymous
Printer: Gros. Monti & Cie Printing Co
Origin: Italy
Size: 39 x 55 inches
On / Off Linen: On linen
Print Technique: Stone lithograph
Year: c.1925
Condition & Comments: Excellent condition on linen. Original Italian advertising poster for Amaro Valsesia digestivo.
This 1950 printing of Campari L’Aperitivo reproduces Leonetto Cappiello’s 1921 advertising design for Bitter Campari. The image depicts the “Spiritello,” a Pierrot-like figure emerging from a spiral orange peel while holding a bottle and glass of Campari. The design became one of Cappiello’s best-known works and has remained closely associated with the Campari brand. The poster was printed by Officine Grafiche Ricordi in Milan in the original large format and reflects the postwar editions issued for display in Italy.
Artist: Leonetto Cappiello
Printer: Officine Grafiche Ricordi, Milan, Italy
Size: 39 x 55 inches (100 x 140 cm)
On / Off Linen: On linen
Print Technique: Offset lithograph in colors
Year: 1950
Condition: Excellent “A,” backed on linen
Artist: Brenet, Albert Printer: Havas, Paris Size: 16 x 24 in / 40 x 60 cm On/Off Linen: On Linen Print Technique: Lithograph Condition & Comments: Excellent Chargeurs Reunis Ship poster by Brenet 1950 on linen excellent
FRENCH TRAVEL POSTER ON PAQUEBOTS AUTHENTIC ORIGINAL PRINTING MADE IN 1950 BY THE COMPAGNIE MARITIME CHARGEURS REUNIS. EXCELLENT CONDITION ON LINEN
Original Italian advertising poster for Cinzano designed by Leonetto Cappiello. The image features Cappiello’s celebrated figure raising a glass of Cinzano, set against a bold graphic background characteristic of the artist’s influential poster style. Cappiello (1875–1942) was one of the most important poster artists of the early twentieth century and helped define modern advertising imagery with his dramatic compositions and vivid color contrasts.
This printing was issued for the 50th Fiera di Milano (Milan Fair), noted in the lower left margin, with the imprint Ricordi Arti Grafiche S.p.A., Milano appearing at the lower right.
Artist: Cappiello, Leonetto
Title: Cinzano
Publisher: Ricordi Arti Grafiche S.p.A., Milano
Size: 55 x 39 inches / 140 x 100 cm
On / Off Linen: On linen
Print Technique: Lithograph
Year: c.1950
Condition & Comments: Excellent condition on linen.
A classic French advertising poster by Beric promoting Disques Radio-Ete. The striking image of a figure with a phonograph record for a head reflects the growing popularity of records, radios, and home entertainment during the 1950s. This poster also appeared in the radio studio set throughout the television series Frasier.
I acquired a roll of these original posters in France during the 1980s and have owned this example since then. Two small black printing smudges below the artist’s name occurred during the original printing process and are present on most examples from this printing.
Artist: Beric
Title: Disques Radio-Ete
Publisher: Editions Avenir Publicite
Printer: Imp. Reunies de Lyon
Date: c.1950s
Printing: Original color lithograph
Size: 45 x 61 in. (114.3 x 154.9 cm)
Condition: Professionally linen-backed and in very nice condition. Please refer to the photographs for details.
This is an original vintage poster, not a reproduction.
Colorful French advertising poster promoting Ghislaine viscose fabric described as “le tissu de demi-saison” (the fabric for mid-season wear). The design shows a stylish mother measuring a young girl for a dress, both wearing bright red garments, with a playful beach ball at their feet. The composition uses bold color blocks and lively mid-century illustration typical of French commercial graphics of the 1950s. Printed for Boussac fabrics, a major French textile manufacturer. The artist signed the work in the plate, though the signature is not clearly identifiable. Printed in Paris by Gaillard Imprimerie.
Artist: Unknown (signed in plate, illegible)
Printer: Gaillard Imprimerie, Paris
Size: 31.5 x 45.5 inches
On / Off Linen: On linen
Print Technique: Offset lithograph
Year: 1954
Condition & Comments: Excellent condition. Very rare; the only example we have encountered.
Il grande campione (The Champion) – Rinaldo Geleng, 1949
Original Italian 4-fogli poster for Il grande campione (Champion), the 1949 boxing drama starring Kirk Douglas, distributed by United Artists. Artwork by Rinaldo Geleng and printed in Rome by S.A.G.A. This is the large-format 140 x 200 cm poster issued for the Italian release, promoting the film’s story of a professional boxer’s rise and moral decline. The poster is an original first printing from 1949. It is in B / B+ condition with restorations and light fold wear, but with excellent, strong colors and a good overall presentation for display.
Title: Il grande campione (Champion)
Year: 1949
Country: Italy
Artist: Rinaldo Geleng
Starring: Kirk Douglas
Distributor: United Artists
Printer: S.A.G.A., Roma
Size: 55 x 78 in / 140 x 200 cm (Italian 4-fogli)
Print technique: Lithographic film poster
Condition: B / B+ – restorations and light folds; colors excellent; presents well
Comments: Original first Italian printing for the 1949 release. Large-format film noir boxing poster, scarce in this size and in this condition.
Original 1970s edition of René Gruau’s celebrated design Le Rouge Baiser. First created in 1950 for the French cosmetics brand, the image has become one of Gruau’s most enduring works, with its striking silhouette of a woman in a red headscarf and bold lipstick. This later printing was produced in offset lithography at a smaller format (17.5 × 22 in) and has been professionally mounted on linen for preservation and display.
This example is in Excellent “A” condition, with rich color and well-preserved surfaces.
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Details
Title: Le Rouge Baiser
Artist: René Gruau
Date: 1970s printing
Size: 17.5 × 22 in / 44 × 56 cm
Print Type: Offset lithograph
Linen: On linen
Condition: Excellent “A”
MARSALA FLORIO — PLINIO CODOGNATO — 1951 – Italian Wine
Original Italian advertising poster for Marsala Florio designed by Plinio Codognato. The striking composition features a powerful classical figure in red raising his arm beneath the bold yellow lettering of the Florio brand name. The dramatic lighting and monumental figure evoke the strength and vitality associated with the famous Sicilian wine. The slogan below reads “Ristora • Rinfranca • Rinforza,” emphasizing the restorative and invigorating qualities of Marsala Florio.
This 1951 printing was issued by Gros Monti & Co., Torino, and is considered a later printing of Codognato’s celebrated Marsala Florio design originally created in the early 1930s. The poster is a strong example of Italian advertising graphics of the period, combining classical imagery with modern typography.
Plinio Codognato (1878–1940) was an important Italian poster artist and illustrator whose work helped shape Italian commercial graphic design in the early twentieth century. His posters are known for their bold figures, dramatic compositions, and clear graphic impact.
Artist: Codognato, Plinio
Title: Marsala Florio
Printer: Gros Monti & Co., Torino
Size: approx. 39 x 55 inches / 140 x 100 cm
On / Off Linen: On linen
Print Technique: Lithograph
Year: 1951
Condition & Comments: Excellent condition on linen.
MESSAGERIES MARITIMES SUR LES ROUTES DE L’UNION FRANCAISE 1950 Jean Desaleux
his striking 1950s poster by Jean Desaleux was created for Messageries Maritimes, France’s leading shipping line. Bold Art Deco graphics put the viewer at the helm of a sleek ocean liner, with a vivid French flag flying high above stylized sea routes. A clean, modern map in the background connects France to its overseas destinations, while elegant script highlights the global reach of the company.
Title: Messageries Maritimes
Artist: Jean Desaleux
Year: 1950
Size: 25 x 39 inches
Printer: IMprimerie Paul Dupont, Clichy
Print Type: Lithography
Condition: Excellent A
Artist: Meunier Printer: Chaix Imprimerie, Paris Size: 12 x 16 in / 30.5 x 40.6 cm On/Off Linen: Unlined Year: 1895-9 Condition & Comments: Excellent A condition
Paquebot Louis Lumiere Ship poster by Brenet 1950 on linen excellent
Original Authentic poster for the Chargeurs Reunis with passage on the Compagnie Maritime. In excellent condition on linen original.
Originally designed by TAL for the French National Railways (SNCF), this travel poster promotes the region of Provence in southeastern France. The composition reflects the landscapes and character of Provence, a region known for its villages, countryside, and Mediterranean climate.
This example is the second printing, produced during the 1970s, and has been professionally mounted on linen for preservation.
Artist: TAL
Title: Provence
Size: 25 x 39 inches / 62 x 100 cm
Linen Backing: On linen
Printing Technique: Offset lithograph
Year: 1970s (Second Printing)
Condition: Excellent A condition
