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"Very nice Posters. The quality is amazing and we received it very quickly !"
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"A shop to visit absolutely. Huge selection of posters. We spent more than an hour there !"
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"Perfect to find gift. Price are very good. An they can frame and pack it on site"
About the Artist
Leonetto Cappiello was an Italian-born illustrator who revolutionized poster art in early twentieth-century Paris. Renowned for his ability to distill commercial messages into a single, unforgettable image, Cappiello’s approach transformed advertising into a respected art form. His posters bridged the decorative exuberance of the Belle Epoque and the emerging clarity of Art Deco, making him a pivotal figure in the history of graphic design.
Cappiello’s legacy endures in both the art and advertising worlds, where his bold, witty visuals remain highly collectible. His influence is especially evident in the enduring popularity of vintage advertising posters, many of which are featured in the Leonetto Cappiello collection and among other famous artists of the era.
The Artwork
Created in 1922, Contratto was commissioned to promote the renowned Italian sparkling wine at a time when Europe was embracing a return to celebration and sociability after World War I. This poster captures the spirit of the Jazz Age, reflecting a culture eager for festivity and modern pleasures. Rather than focusing on the product itself, Cappiello’s design channels the exuberance and glamour of the era, turning Contratto into a symbol of joyful occasions and cosmopolitan flair.
The artwork belongs to a tradition of street-level advertising that shaped urban life, inviting passersby into a world of nightlife, cafés, and lively gatherings. Its impact lies in its ability to evoke a sense of occasion and align the brand with the optimism and sophistication of 1920s Europe, echoing the legacy of vintage advertising posters.
Style & Characteristics
This vintage poster is defined by Cappiello’s hallmark use of dramatic contrast: a luminous, jubilant figure in white and gold, holding an oversized bottle, stands out against a deep black background. The composition is energized by swirling, celebratory lines and bold, hand-drawn lettering in vibrant yellow and red. The figure’s pose and expression radiate festivity, while the simplified forms and flat color fields exemplify early twentieth-century lithographic technique.
The overall effect is theatrical and instantly eye-catching, with a mood of exuberance and playful sophistication. The poster’s graphic clarity and striking palette make it an enduring icon of both Italian and French advertising art, perfectly at home in a curated vintage alcohol poster display.
In Interior Design
Contratto’s lively imagery brings a sense of celebration to dining rooms, kitchens, or home bars, where its festive theme complements glassware and convivial gatherings. The poster’s bold contrasts pair well with matte black frames, light walls, or rich wood finishes, while its vibrant reds and yellows can be echoed in decorative accents for a cohesive look.
As a vintage advertising poster, it adds character and sophistication to modern or eclectic interiors, serving as a cultured nod to classic European nightlife. Whether featured alone or as part of a gallery wall, it enriches spaces with the glamour and optimism of the Jazz Age.