Taormina - Sicily

Following WWII, tourist travel was booming and many destinations were trying to attract new visitors during the summer and off-season. This poster for Taormina sponsored by the Taormina Tourism and entertainment department of the Sicilian region (Taormina assessorato turismo e spettacolo della regione siciliana) does just that while featuring a wonderfully dynamic art deco style.

The ancient city of Taormina is located on the east coast of Sicily and has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century. Taormina boasts beaches on the Ionian Sea, the Isola Bella, a nature reserve and an impressive view of Europes’ largest active volcano, Mount Etna. The artist Mario Puppo accentuates the year-round resort that Taormina has to offer. In the center of the image, a woman wearing a sun hat, ready to relax on the Italian beach greets a man holding skis, presumably about to ski on Mt. Etna. The pair are surrounded by the tropical flora of cacti and palm trees.

Mario Puppo (1905-1977) was an Italian artist and graphic designer. Puppo designed many catalogs, leaflets, playbills and music scores throughout his career. Most notably however was Puppo’s creation of the annual calendar for Barilla in 1937 which demonstrates Puppo’s rigid art deco style and dynamism of volumes. In 1941, Puppo’s works were exhibited in Milan at the Advertising Graphics Show at the National Exhibition of the Fine Arts Syndicate.

This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed, and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all our posters.