Artist: Leonetto Cappiello
Condition: A- *
Dimensions: 46 x 62.2 in. / 117 x 158 cm.
Circa: 1929
Linen Backed
* See Condition Grading section for further details
The linen has been trimmed to the edges and very slightly into them in some areas; there are some surface scratches/abrasions; some edge wear, tears, creasing; some creasing in image; some light water staining in the bottom left black area; gorgeous poster with vivid colors that will display wonderfully once framed.
A painter hurriedly applies red paint to a staircase as a woman's legs, already walking on the freshly painted steps, completely unaware, disappear out of frame above him. The joke lands instantly, and the bold diagonal composition of the staircase is handled with real graphic confidence.
Cappiello was the dominant figure in French advertising poster art of the early 20th century, and this is a fine late example; humorous, elegantly designed, and printed by Devambez, one of the great Parisian lithographic houses.