This postcard was designed by Mario Gros in 1935. Gros (Turin, 1888–San Remo, 1977) was an Italian draughtsman, painter, and graphic entrepreneur who became one of Italy’s leading poster and advertising designers of the early twentieth century.
Gros began his career as a young apprentice engraver while studying painting at the Turin Academy under Giovanni Guarlotti and Romolo Bernardi. He progressed through chromatic engraving and advertising poster design, eventually becoming art director at a major poster-printing firm. In this role, he designed promotional materials for the Ambrosio and Pittaluga film companies, creating iconic posters for celebrated actresses including Francesca Bertini and Lydia Borelli. His work included posters for Atlantide, The Passion of Joan of Arc, and The King of Kings. Gros also designed the Italian poster for The Jazz Singer, the first American sound film. In 1925, he founded Gros Monti & C., a printing firm in the San Paolo district of Turin.
About Mario Gros
Mario Gros was a pivotal figure in Italian graphic design and commercial art during the interwar period, combining fine-art training with industrial expertise in poster production and chromatic printing.
Details
- Creator: Mario Gros (1888–1977)
- Year: 1935
- Medium: Postcard design
- Field: Graphic design, advertising, poster art
Frequently asked questions
Who was Mario Gros?
Mario Gros was an Italian designer, painter, and graphic entrepreneur born in Turin in 1888. He trained as an engraver and painter, then became a prominent advertising and film poster designer, working with major Italian film production companies before founding his own printing business in 1925.
What kind of work did Gros design?
Gros worked across chromatic engraving, advertising posters, and film promotion. He created posters for silent films featuring celebrated actresses, and designed the Italian poster for The Jazz Singer, the first American sound film.
When and where did Gros work?
Gros was active throughout the early twentieth century, based primarily in Turin. He founded his printing firm, Gros Monti & C., in the San Paolo district in 1925 and continued working until his death in San Remo in 1977.