Leonetto Cappiello

Artist Biography

Leonetto Cappiello, born in Italy in 1875 was often referred to as the father of the Modern poster. It was in 1900 that Leonetto became famous, his art, prints and posters being sequels to the works of artists such as Villemot, Cheret and Pal.

In the beginning he became popular as a caricaturist, his style humorous and joyful and later became a successful posterist. He used wide colour planes and highly exaggerated colours and situations in his art, prints and posters.

He shocked, surprised and moved and went on to lead the bold graphic style of the Art Deco movement in the 1920's and 30's. In 1981 a major retrospective of Cappiello's art, prints and posters were presented at the Galleria Nationale du Grand Palais in Paris.

Leonetto Cappiello Art, Prints and Posters Collection