Asti Cinzano Poster
Vintage advertising poster (lithograph/print on paper) • Signed 'Maffioli 1920' (Leonetto Cappiello style or attributed to Italian poster artist/illustrator Maffioli)
Style & Movement
Art Deco / Early 20th Century Commercial Advertising Art
Medium & Technique
Chromolithography on paper, commercial poster printing technique utilizing multiple inked stones or plates for color separation
Creation Period
Dated 1920
Dimensions & Format
Vertical portrait format, estimated approximately 24 x 36 inches (standard large poster format, framed under glass)
Subject Description
A dynamic allegorical figure resembling a bacchante or female spirit floating over large bunches of red and white grapes, holding up a bottle of Asti Cinzano. The composition features sweeping yellow drapery and bold typography reading 'ASTI CINZANO' at the bottom against a dark, contrasting background.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition overall, housed in a contemporary black frame with glass protection; minor surface dust and reflections visible on the glass surface
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,500 depending on original printing status, edition, and exact verification
Auction Estimate
$300 - $800
Provenance History
Acquired through the secondary vintage poster market or private collection; likely originated from Italian advertising materials or early promotional campaigns
Art Historical Significance
Represents the golden age of European commercial poster art, combining high artistic illustration with brand marketing. Posters by artists like Cappiello and his contemporaries transformed public spaces into open-air galleries and defined early 20th-century visual culture.
Notable Features
Distinctive signature 'Maffioli 1920' in the lower-left corner; dramatic high-contrast color scheme utilizing vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges against a black ground, typical of effective early poster design
Condition Issues
Minor surface wear, potential light fading or minor toning consistent with age, though preserved well under glass
Conservation Recommendations
Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the colored inks; ensure acid-free backing if re-framed, and maintain stable indoor humidity levels