The 6th annual vintage Italian poster and old master prints exhibit entitled “It’s All Italian!” kicks off with an opening reception on Friday, September 13 starting at 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM concluding Saturday, October 19. This free exhibit open to the public is on display at Meyer Fine Art located at 2400 Kettner Blvd., Ste. 104, Little Italy in San Diego.
This collection of rare 20th to 21st century vintage Italian posters consist of original first and second printings of lithographs by renowned poster artists including Cappiello, Mauzan, Cassandre, Gruau, Boccasile, Razzia, etc.
Italian posters date back to the late 1800’s produced via stone lithography, photo offset and silkscreen printing. The images and text were combined into an innovative visual format to facilitate an advertising medium for mass communication. The prominent poster themes of beverages, food, travel, cars and sports are all included in these vibrant advertising graphics. The posters, intended to only be used for a short period of time, were continually replaced with newer images pasted on building walls and fences.
The posters that endured in good condition have today become valuable collectibles. Prices are based on rarity, condition and demand. People are amazed that these original prints are available for purchase and generally inexpensive compared to contemporary paintings or sculpture.
The artwork categorized as an old master print generally dates from the 1500s to the 1830s, produced by a printing process such as woodcut, engraving, etching, etc. With rare exceptions, they are printed on paper, produced as single images or as a set or series. It was not a practice to number or sign the prints; more often the images were designated with ‘state of’. The subjects often portray historical or social aspects of the time. The earliest Italian centers of engravings and woodcuts were in Florence and Ferrara. Some of the notable Italian artists in this exhibition inventory from the 16th and 17th centuries are Tempesta, Piranesi, della Bella and Canaletto.
Gallery owner Perry L. Meyer, along with partner and wife Kathi, has been an art dealer for over 30 years, specializing in 18th century to contemporary original graphics, limited edition prints, and other works on paper. With a keen eye and knowledge that he has acquired through his life-long love and passion for graphics and works on paper, Perry opened a public gallery in June 2006 in the historical Studio Arts Building on Kettner Blvd located at the north end of Little Italy.
The gallery provides full art consulting services for purchasing and selling artwork, including framing, shipping, appraisals, and restoration. Perry offers his expert consultation services to assist novice and seasoned collectors who have an interest in original graphics. His reputation is based on integrity, professionalism, and extensive knowledge to provide his clients with the assurance and confidence needed to build a world-class art collection.
Be sure to stop by and check out this exciting exhibition. For more information online go to www.plmeyerfineart.com or call 619-358-9512.
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