Think that you may own a poster by Leonetto Cappiello? We authenticate, appraise, research and issue certificates of authenticity (COA) and provide consultations for all posters by Leonetto Cappiello.

Leonetto Cappiello was an Italian poster art designer who lived in Paris. He is now often called "the father of modern advertising." Cappiello had no formal training in art. The first exhibition of his work was in 1892, when a painting was displayed at the municipal museum in Florence.

Cappiello started his career as a caricaturist illustrating in journals like Le Rire, Le Cri de Paris, Le Sourire, L'Assiette au Beurre, La Baionnette, Femina, and others. His first album of caricatures, "Lanterna Magica," was made in 1896. In 1898, he moved to Paris, and his caricatures were published in Le Rire for the first time.

Cappiello made his name during the poster boom period in the early 20th century, with designs similar to those of Jules Chéret. His first poster, for the newspaper Frou-Frou, was made in 1899.He signed first contract for posters with printer P. Vercasson in 1900. He was married to Suzanne Meyer Cappiello 1901. Between 1901 and 1914, he created several hundred posters in a style that revolutionized the art of poster design. Cappiello redesigned the fin-de-siècle pictures into images more relevant to the faster pace of the 20th century. During this period, Capiello continued as a caricaturist.

During World War I, Cappiello worked as an interpreter in Italy. Afterwards, he devoted his career fully to poster design. In 1919, he signed a contract with publisher Devambez.

Still wondering about an Italian art piece in your family collection? Contact us…it could be by Leonetto Cappiello.