Nitrolian, 1929

Leonetto Cappiello's 1929 vintage poster for the Nitrolian paint company is a striking and iconic piece of advertising art that has captured the essence of the product it promotes in a visually captivating manner. This poster is a testament to Cappiello's mastery in the art of poster design and his ability to blend humor and bold imagery to leave a lasting impression.

The central focus of the poster is a dramatic depiction of a staircase painted in vibrant shades of Nitrolian paint. The staircase, ascending towards the top of the poster, serves as a dynamic and eye-catching element of the composition. Each step is meticulously painted in rich, intense red, showcasing the quality and brilliance of Nitrolian paint. The use of vivid, contrasting hues creates a sense of depth and dimension, making the stairs appear almost three-dimensional.

What sets this poster apart is Cappiello's clever use of humor. At the foot of the staircase, there is a comical scene featuring a man holding a paint can with the exact image of the poster. It’s said that the man is a self-portrait of the artist himself.

The typography in the poster is bold and attention-grabbing, with the word "Nitrolian" prominently displayed at the top in a distinctive, stylized font. Below it, the text “Sec Aussitot Point”, As soon as you paint it, it dries is subtly integrated into the design, marking this as a vintage piece of art from a bygone era.

Cappiello's Nitrolian poster is a masterpiece of the Art Deco era, showcasing the fusion of art and commerce. Its vibrant colors, clever humor, and impeccable design make it an enduring symbol of advertising artistry, and a testament to the power of visual communication. It encapsulates the promise that Nitrolian paint can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, even turning a simple staircase into a work of art.