An advertising poster designed by Aurelio Craffonara in 1927. Craffonara (1875–1945) was an Italian painter and illustrator based in Genoa, where he established himself as a prolific creator of commercial graphics and satirical illustrations.
Trained at the Accademia Ligustica of Fine Arts in Genoa under Tammar Luxoro, Craffonara built a diverse career that encompassed poster design, publication illustrations, and watercolor painting. He worked under the pseudonym Lelo for contributions to satirical periodicals and collaborated with other artists on significant decorative commissions, including work on the Banco di Chiavari e della Riviera Ligure in via Garibaldi. His output as a poster and illustrator reflects the visual communication strategies of interwar Italy, when commercial art and advertising graphics became increasingly sophisticated design disciplines.
About Aurelio Craffonara
Born in Gallarate in 1875, Craffonara moved to Genoa at age ten and spent most of his professional life in the Ligurian capital. His training at the Accademia Ligustica positioned him within the mainstream of Italian artistic practice. He remained active in Genoa until his death in 1945, contributing to the city’s visual and commercial culture across several decades.
Details
- Creator: Aurelio Craffonara
- Year: 1927
- Object type: Advertising poster
- Primary location: Genoa, Italy
- Medium: Commercial graphic design
Frequently asked questions
Who was Aurelio Craffonara?
Aurelio Craffonara (1875–1945) was an Italian painter and illustrator trained at the Accademia Ligustica in Genoa. He specialized in poster design and satirical illustrations, working under the pseudonym Lelo and collaborating with other artists on decorative projects.
Where did Craffonara work?
Based primarily in Genoa from age ten onward, Craffonara trained and practiced there throughout his career. He contributed to the city’s artistic and commercial life, including work on public commissions such as the Banco di Chiavari e della Riviera Ligure.
What was Craffonara’s primary medium?
Craffonara worked across multiple media, including poster and publication design, watercolor painting, and decorative illustration. He was particularly known for his commercial graphics and satirical illustrations for periodicals.
