Théâtre De L’étoile 1923

Leonetto Cappiello’s poster for the Théâtre de l’Étoile was printed using lithography in 1923, a process that involves drawing on stone or metal with a greasy substance, then using ink to transfer the image onto paper. What’s interesting here is how the printmaking process enables mass production, reflecting the rise of consumer culture in the early 20th century. The poster's bold colors and simplified forms are typical of Cappiello's style, which aimed to grab the attention of passersby. Note how the figure of Harlequin, a traditional commedia dell'arte character, stands out against the red curtain backdrop. The texture of the curtain and the Harlequin's costume are rendered with subtle variations in tone, creating a sense of depth. Cappiello was not just an artist; he was a craftsman of visual persuasion. He was deeply involved in the making of images that were meant to sell, entertain, and shape public opinion. This piece blurs the boundaries between fine art and commercial design, reminding us that all art is made within a specific material and social context.