Among the many art forms of the 20th century, painted film posters are among the most fascinating—and the most forgotten. They were created by highly skilled illustrators, known as “cartellonisti,” who, with brushes and colors, could tell an entire film in a single image.These were not mere advertisements, but true works of art, capable of captivating the viewer even before entering the theater.

Today, thanks to technology and the passion of many collectors, these posters are once again being noticed.

More and more people are rediscovering their artistic and cultural value. They are displayed in online catalogues and exhibitions; some people even use them as paintings to decorate their homes. Adding personality and style to every space.

Painted Film Posters: When Cinema Was Told with a Brush

Between the 1930s and 1980s, film posters were created by hand by talented illustrators. They used brushes and paints to create images that told the story even before the screening began.

With a single image, they could immediately convey the film’s atmosphere, its protagonists, and the kind of story to expect. One glance was enough to intrigue passersby in front of the cinema.

These vintage posters reflected the style and taste of their time, with detailed and expressive drawings.

Artists such as Anselmo Ballester, Luigi Martinati, Alfredo Capitani, and Ercole Brini created some of the most famous posters, both Italian and international.Their works gave visual form to the films of directors like Fellini, De Sica, Antonioni, and Visconti, leaving a lasting mark on the visual memory of entire generations.

A Treasure for Collectors and Interior Design Enthusiasts

Vintage film posters are now sought-after objects for collectors, gallery owners, and interior designers.

Printed on canvas or in high-quality formats, these posters decorate homes, offices, venues, and hotels, giving spaces a vintage, original, and highly personal touch.

Those seeking original restored posters, high-quality reproductions, or custom prints can find many catalogues online.

Why choose painted film posters for decoration?

• Artistic value: every poster is a unique work of art.
• Visual impact: vibrant colors, dynamic compositions, expressive faces.
• Vintage authenticity: they evoke past eras and a deep connection with cinema.
• Decorative versatility: perfect for modern, classic, or industrial interiors.

From black and white to the explosion of color

In the 1930s and 1940s, posters had a more serious style, reflecting the films of that time.In the 1950s and 1960s, bright colors arrived, expressing the optimism of the economic boom.The 1970s and 1980s exploded with bolder graphic styles, influenced by pop and psychedelic trends.

Each decade tells not only the story of cinema but also that of visual taste, illustration techniques, and artistic language.

The painted film posters from the 1930s to the 1980s are true works of art. Hand-painted by the great Italian poster artists, they visually narrate the masterpieces of Italian and world cinema.

Today, these vintage posters are collector’s items and perfect for interior decoration.Discover our restored posters, original lobby cards, and canvas reproductions—ideal for giving character to any space.From Fellini’s films to the noir movies of the 1960s, each image is a visual journey through the history of cinema.Browse the full catalogue and bring home a piece of culture!