This is an advertising poster by Luigi Martinati, an Italian illustrator, graphic designer and painter who worked across commercial, tourist and political campaigns throughout the twentieth century.
Martinati was born in Florence on 31 December 1893 and trained at the Accademia di Belle Arti before relocating to Rome in 1911, where he apprenticed under the painter and poster designer Federico Ballester. He devoted himself to advertising illustration, producing posters on diverse subjects between 1923 and 1941—from commercial advertisements and tourist signage to political propaganda materials and celebratory events. In the 1930s, he established a studio at Via Emanuele Filiberto 190 in Rome, sharing the space with colleague Tito Corbella. Much of his work was printed by the A.P.E. typography studio nearby on Viale Castrense. Martinati became director of IGAP (Impresa Generale Affissioni Pubblicità), one of Rome’s principal advertising agencies, where he worked alongside designers Dudovich and Nizzoli. He also collaborated with major film production companies, notably Warner Brothers, building a prolific career in cinematographic illustration.
About Luigi Martinati
Martinati had a distinguished career spanning commercial design, tourism promotion and cultural communication across Italy, based primarily in Rome from 1911 onward.
Details
- Creator: Luigi Martinati (Florence, 31 December 1893 – Rome, 31 December 1983)
- Object type: Advertising poster
- Active period: 1923–1941 and beyond
- Location: Rome
- Studio address: Via Emanuele Filiberto 190, Rome
Frequently asked questions
Who was Luigi Martinati?
Martinati was an Italian illustrator, graphic designer and painter born in Florence in 1893. After training at the Accademia di Belle Arti, he moved to Rome in 1911 and became one of Italy’s principal advertising designers, directing the IGAP agency and working with major film studios.
Where did Martinati work?
Based in Rome from 1911, Martinati maintained a studio at Via Emanuele Filiberto 190 from the 1930s onward, where his work was printed by the nearby A.P.E. typography studio. He directed IGAP, one of Rome’s major advertising agencies.
What subjects did Martinati design posters for?
Between 1923 and 1941, Martinati created posters for commercial advertisements, tourist signage, political propaganda and major public events, and collaborated extensively with film production companies including Warner Brothers.
