LEOPOLDO METLICOVITZ (1868-1944) MOSTRA DEL CICLO E DELL'AUTOMOBILE / MILANO. 1907.
78 1/2x54 inches, 199 1/2x137 cm. G. Ricordi, Milan.
Condition B / B+: repaired tears, restored losses, creases, abrasions, restoration and overpainting in margins and image; vertical and horizontal folds. Two-sheets.
For Milan's 1907 automobile and cycle show, Metlicovitz devises a stunning allegory of the old gods versus the new gods. Here, a winged deity is flying next to a speeding vehicle. In an unsuccessful attempt to keep up with modernity, he has even removed his laurel wreath to keep it from blowing off at such high speeds, and yet, the car is still in the lead. More than just a powerful, symbolic image, the poster is a master work of lithography in which soft pastel shades are used to make a strong impression. rare. This poster has appeared at auction only four times since 1987. Bolaffi p. 143, Menegazzi p. 81, Manifesti Italiani p. 38, Maitres 1900 p. 234.