Leonetto Cappiello Nitrolian Art Deco Advertising Poster, Paris, 1929

Details

Description

Exceptional large-scale Nitrolian advertising poster by Leonetto Cappiello (1875–1942), designed in 1929 and printed in Paris, France, for De Keyn … Read more Exceptional large-scale Nitrolian advertising poster by Leonetto Cappiello (1875–1942), designed in 1929 and printed in Paris, France, for De Keyn Frères S.A. of Brussels, Belgium.

Created to advertise Nitrolian fast-drying paint, the poster features one of Cappiello’s characteristically clever and immediately legible compositions. A painter applies brilliant red paint to a monumental staircase while the elegantly rendered legs of a woman in white heels descend just behind him—an amusing visual expression of the slogan “NITROLIAN – SEC AUSSITÔT PEINT,” emphasizing the product’s rapid-drying qualities.

The striking composition combines saturated red, deep black, ivory and blue with bold geometric typography, creating the dramatic visual impact for which Cappiello became renowned. Particularly charming is the small Nitrolian paint can held by the painter, whose label reproduces the advertising image itself.

The poster is signed Cappiello and dated 1929 within the image. The lower margin bears “DE KEYN Frères S.A. BRUXELLES,” identifying the Belgian company for which the advertisement was produced. Printer and publisher information visible along the margin references Devambez and Les Nouvelles Affiches Cappiello, 32 Rue Beaujon, Paris. Documented examples of this design identify it as a color lithographic poster printed by Devambez in Paris.

Leonetto Cappiello was an Italian-born artist who established his career in Paris and became one of the most influential figures in the history of modern advertising. Often associated with the transition from Belle Époque poster design to the bold graphic language of Art Deco, Cappiello revolutionized commercial imagery through simplified compositions, strong silhouettes, vivid colors and memorable visual narratives.

Presented in a substantial giltwood frame with contrasting black recessed detailing, which complements the poster’s black, red and gold-toned palette. Its impressive scale makes the work particularly suitable as a statement piece in a living room, library, office, gallery or commercial interior.

Artist: Leonetto Cappiello (1875–1942)
Title: Nitrolian – Sec Aussitôt Peint
Date: 1929
Printer: Devambez, Paris
Advertiser: De Keyn Frères S.A., Brussels
Country of production: France
Medium: Color lithographic advertising poster
Style: Art Deco / French Advertising Art

Measurements:
68.58 in. H × 52.75 in. W × 2.50 in. D, framed

Condition

Good vintage condition consistent with age and use. The poster shows age-related surface wear, minor creasing, scattered marks and imperfections visible through the glazing. The giltwood frame displays expected wear, including scratches, small losses, marks and variations to the gilt finish.

The poster has not been inspected outside of the frame. The condition of the sheet beneath the frame, its margins, backing, mounting and any previous conservation cannot be determined. See less