Leopoldo Metlicovitz - Inaugurazione del Sempione - 1970s

An authentic masterpiece of Italian advertising graphics and a piece of twentieth-century history. This famous poster was created in 1906 (note well this is a 70’s reproduction) to celebrate the Milan International Exposition and the historic inauguration of the Simplon Tunnel, one of the era's greatest engineering feats.

The drawing bears the signature of the legendary artist and poster designer from Trieste, Leopoldo Metlicovitz, a cornerstone of the renowned Officine Grafiche Ricordi of Milan. The work depicts an extraordinary and powerful allegory of progress: Mercury, the god of commerce, and Science emerge triumphant from the railway tunnel, wrapped in the reddish, suggestive glow of the fire from the steam locomotive. A dynamic and evocative iconography that fully embodies the spirit of Art Nouveau (Stile Liberty) in Italy.

This subject is universally recognized as one of the most iconic and collectible among posters from the era, dedicated to major events and universal exhibitions.