c.1950 Venezia Venice Italy Italian Travel Pizzi & Pizio

Date: c.1950
Artist: Unknown
Size (in): 39.25” x 26.25”
Size (cm): 100 x 67
Condition: B
Linen backed: No

This vintage original poster was issued by ENIT, the official Italian government tourism authority, probably around 1950 to promote the city of Venezia, or Vencie as it is known in the English speaking world. For this poster the artist renders a stylized image of St. Mark’s Campanile and its giant bronze statue known as “the Moors” which strike a giant bell cast in 1497 to denote the passing of each hour.  This image is set within the form of a gondola prow or fero as they are called locally which were cast from iron and designed to offset the weight of the Gondolier.   

This poster isn’t dated but features the ENIT logo and the logo of the Italian State Railways adopted in 1950.  Some have identified this poster as pre-WWII but we believe the date is more likely 1950.  The lower margin is printed “Stampato In Italia” and “Pizzi & Pizio – Milano-Roma" to denote the printer.     

This vintage original poster is free of tape or pinholes and shows moderate handling wear including bumping and slight creasing on the edges.  A few short tears on the edges have been stabilized on veros with the application of a small piece of easily removable acid free archival repair tissue.  The poster is free or tape, pinholes or stains and retains the original color making for an attractive display piece.  Basic linen backing, which we can arrange for an additional cost, could get this poster looking almost like new.  Overall condition is very good.