Aged Bitter Campari poster – Leonetto Cappiello – 1921 Aged. A Sprite and an Orange: The Poster’s Unique Design This striking poster is dominated by the mischievous figure of Lo Spiriritello, or “The Sprite.” This cheerful clown/pierrot-style character is depicted in a brilliant red and white polka-dot onesie. He emerges from the centre of a gigantic, unpeeling orange. His expression is full of joy as he holds aloft a single bottle of the distinctive red liqueur. The sprite’s playful energy and bright colours make this aged Bitter Campari poster an absolute delight. The vivid colours of the character and orange are set against Cappiello’s signature, deep black background. This trademark style helps the central image to leap off the paper, creating a dynamic and memorable composition. The combination of simple, bold colours and a complex figure makes the aged Bitter Campari poster a masterclass in early 20th-century advertising art. The Legacy of the Aged Bitter Campari Poster Originally printed by the renowned Devambez printing house in Paris, this poster has become an extremely sought-after collector’s item. The artistry and rarity of original copies mean that the aged Bitter Campari poster continues to command impressive prices, with originals selling for over £4,000. Owning this high-quality reproduction allows you to appreciate the beauty and history of one of the most iconic advertising posters ever created. It’s a must-have piece for any art enthusiast or collector of vintage prints. Other Leonetto Cappiello posters Cappiello created his first poster in 1901. It was for the French magazine Le Frou Frou. It was the start of a 40-year career during which he is estimated to have created over 3,000 posters. Today many of his original lithographic prints fetch some incredible prices. Cappiello’s fabulous 1920 Mistinguett poster by Leonetto Cappiellois a personal favourite. It features the French chanteuse from the vantage point from an opera box with the star looking up towards us. She is dressed in a typically flamboyant white feather dress with long white ribbons billowing around her. She is also wearing a more modest than usual headdress that resembles horns or long ears. A copy of this highly sought-after lithographic print was listed in an online vintage poster auction in 2018. It had a guide price of between $8,000-$10,000. It sold for $15,600. The impressive Automobiles Charron poster featuring a woman climbing into her chauffeur-driven car on her way to Christmas shopping can command prices in excess of £8,000. At the time of listing (2019) a poster created for Bitter Campari, in 1921, depicting one of Cappiello’s characters appearing from a peeling orange skin was listed for just over £15,000. The 1900 poster advertising Cachou Lajaunie breath mints were also available, with a $4,000 price tag. One of his rare travel posters promoting golf in Font-Romeo in its original form fetches over £13,000 on the rare occasions they come to auction. The famous 1929 stone lithographic print for Parapluie Revel featuring three gentlemen battling the weather with their umbrellas is another that can command a hefty price of over £13,000. Other Leonetto Cappiello posters such as the 1927 Cognac Monnet poster with a young woman in a red dress drinking from a cup of sunshine is worth around $7,500, whilst a 1921 print for Cordial Campari Milano depicting a Pierrot-type clown drinking from a bottle of the golden beverage commands a price of $15,000. His poster for another alcoholic drink Contratto depicting a woman holding a huge champagne glass overflowing with drink regularly sells for £4,000. Cappiello’s Cognac Albert Robin poster reaches prices of £6,500 whilst the 1903 poster for Mele titled Novita per Signora sells for more than £32,000. Another popular poster is the 1921 Cafe Martin poster featuring the Turkish man leaping from a cup of coffee that could currently be purchased for a little over £31,000. Even many Leonetto Cappiello reproduction prints sell for between £250-£600. While there’s no denying the thrill of owning an original vintage poster, they are often a significant investment, with some pieces selling for thousands of pounds. These originals can make a great financial asset, potentially appreciating in value over time. For serious collectors with deep pockets, an original vintage poster is a fantastic acquisition. Unfortunately, for most of us, this level of investment isn’t realistic. This is where high-quality reproductions offer a brilliant solution. They provide the perfect way to enjoy the timeless design and style of a classic poster without the prohibitive price tag. The Smart Alternative: Superb Reproductions Our stunning reproductions are carefully created to capture the authentic look and feel of the original posters. From the vibrant colours to the intricate details, they offer all the visual impact of the vintage piece. When framed and displayed, these prints look absolutely fantastic, bringing a touch of history and unique character to your living room or office. Not only do these reproductions cost a fraction of the price of an original, but they also offer a practical way to decorate your space with art you love. You can have a copy of this beautiful poster hanging on your wall in just a few days. Why wait? Add a touch of French flair to your home decor and order your reproduction Aged Bitter Campari poster today.
