About the Artist
Created by an anonymous artist, this 1920 travel poster is a product of the golden age of European tourism promotion, when destinations across the continent were marketed with striking visual clarity. During this era, railways and steamships opened up new routes, and posters like this one were designed to capture the imagination of passersby in bustling stations and city streets.
Today, such works are prized as classic examples of vintage travel advertising, reflecting both the optimism of early twentieth-century leisure and the enduring allure of Mediterranean escapes.
The Artwork
Sanremo, often called the City of Flowers, rose to prominence in the early twentieth century as a winter haven for travelers seeking mild weather and scenic beauty. This poster was created to promote Sanremo’s reputation as a refined Riviera retreat, offering a vision of cultivated gardens and sweeping sea views. It served both as an enticement for potential visitors and as a visual emblem of the Italian Riviera’s modern identity.
Such posters played a key role in shaping the image of Mediterranean destinations, turning local landmarks into symbols of relaxation and cosmopolitan charm.
Style & Characteristics
The artwork features a panoramic view of Sanremo’s coastline, framed by lush foreground flowers and tall palm trees. The composition draws the viewer’s gaze from the vibrant plant life toward the expansive blue bay and distant hills. Dominated by cool blues and greens, the scene is enlivened by touches of yellow and pink that highlight the region’s floral character.
Bold outlines and simplified forms ensure the design remains eye-catching and legible from afar, a hallmark of classic travel posters. The overall mood is bright, inviting, and distinctly Mediterranean.
In Interior Design
This Sanremo poster brings a sense of light and escape to interiors, making it ideal for living rooms, hallways, or creative workspaces. It complements coastal and Mediterranean-inspired decor, but also adds a refreshing accent to modern or eclectic settings.
Pair it with pale walls, natural wood, and brass accents, or echo its palette with blue textiles and green plants. For a curated display, combine it with other sea and ocean scenes or timeless landscape prints.
