This manifesto dates to 1938 and was created by Mario Gros, an Italian draughtsman, painter and graphic entrepreneur whose career spanned from the 1880s through the mid-twentieth century.
Gros trained as an apprentice engraver and studied painting at the Accademia Albertina in Turin, subsequently pursuing a career in chromatic engraving and advertising poster design. He became a leading figure in Italian poster production, designing promotional materials for major film studios including Ambrosio Film and Pittaluga. His portfolio included celebrated movie posters featuring notable actresses of the era, among them designs for Atlantide, La passione di Giovanna d’Arco, and Il re dei re. Gros also signed the Italian poster for Il cantante di jazz, the first American sound film to be promoted in Italy.
About Mario Gros
Born in Turin in 1888, Gros established himself as both an artist and industrialist, founding the printing firm Gros Monti & C. in 1925 in the San Paolo district. He remained active in graphic design and painting until his death in San Remo in 1977, representing a formative generation of Italian commercial artists.
Details
- Creator: Mario Gros
- Year: 1938
- Medium: Poster design
- Discipline: Graphic advertising and poster art
Frequently asked questions
Who was Mario Gros?
Mario Gros (1888–1977) was an Italian draughtsman, painter and graphic entrepreneur. He trained at the Accademia Albertina in Turin and became a prolific designer of advertising posters, particularly for cinema, working with major film studios across Italy.
What kind of work did Gros specialise in?
Gros worked primarily in poster design and chromatic engraving for advertising purposes. He is best known for creating promotional materials for Italian and international films, featuring prominent actresses and cinema productions of the early-to-mid twentieth century.
Did Gros have a business beyond design?
Yes. In 1925, Gros co-founded Gros Monti & C., a printing company specialising in poster production, located in the San Paolo district of Turin. The firm supported his continued work as a cartellonista (poster designer) throughout his career.