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Leonetto Cappiello
1920 Original Monaco Exhibition Poster by Cappiello “Exposition de Monaco”

1920

$12,866.53
£9,429.11
€12,960VAT Included
CA$17,744.92
A$17,959.23
CHF 10,297.33
MX$217,823.06
NOK 119,753.75
SEK 121,897.75
DKK 82,348.57

About the Item

This elegant 1920 poster by Leonetto Cappiello promotes the “Exposition de Monaco,” capturing the glamour and allure of the French Riviera in the early 20th century. A master of modern advertising imagery, Cappiello brings together movement, color, and symbolism to create a composition that is both refined and instantly memorable. At the center, a graceful female figure descends a staircase overlooking the Mediterranean. Draped in a flowing yellow dress and framed by a dramatic red-and-white cloth, she scatters flowers as she moves, embodying both celebration and abundance. Her gesture feels theatrical, almost allegorical—she becomes a personification of Monaco itself: radiant, welcoming, and steeped in beauty. In the background, the coastline unfolds in soft detail, anchoring the composition in a recognizable geography. The sea, calm and luminous, contrasts with the dynamic movement of the figure, creating a balance between serenity and vitality. This interplay is characteristic of Cappiello’s work, where a bold central motif is often set against a simplified yet evocative setting. Unlike earlier, more decorative poster traditions, Cappiello’s style embraces clarity and visual impact. The figure dominates the space, while the typography remains understated and elegant, allowing the image to carry the message. This approach marked a turning point in poster design, moving toward a more modern, advertising-driven aesthetic. The poster also reflects the cultural significance of Monaco during this period. In the aftermath of World War I, the Riviera reasserted itself as a destination of leisure, luxury, and international appeal. Exhibitions such as this one were not only cultural events but also promotional tools, attracting visitors, artists, and investors to the region. There is a sense of lightness throughout the composition—both literal and symbolic. The floating flowers, the flowing fabric, and the open landscape all contribute to an atmosphere of escape and pleasure. It is less about a specific event and more about an experience: the promise of sun, beauty, and refinement. Today, this poster stands as a superb example of early 20th-century European graphic design. It captures a moment when advertising, art, and travel converged, and when artists like Cappiello helped define the visual language of modern poster art. Original Poster Tourism - Exhibition - Railway - Monaco There is another version of this poster with the PLM (Paris Lyon Méditerranée) logo in the bottom right corner Printed by Devambez in Paris
  • Creator:
    Leonetto Cappiello (1875 - 1942, French)
  • Creation Year:
    1920
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 42.52 in (108 cm)Width: 30.71 in (78 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Good condition, restorations, slight traces of tape, on linen.
  • Gallery Location:
    PARIS, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1792218066402

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