''An American in Paris'' -b-1951 - art by Silvano Campeggi is a mixed media by Movie World Posters which was uploaded on February 10th, 2022.
''An American in Paris'' -b-1951 - art by Silvano Campeggi
A vintage Italian movie poster of ''An American in Paris'', a classic Hollywood musical film released in 1951. Directed by Vincente Minnelli and... more
Title
''An American in Paris'' -b-1951 - art by Silvano Campeggi
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster
Description
A vintage Italian movie poster of ''An American in Paris'', a classic Hollywood musical film released in 1951. Directed by Vincente Minnelli and produced by Arthur Freed, the film is renowned for its stunning visual style, memorable music, and exceptional choreography. The screenplay was written by Alan Jay Lerner, and the film's story was developed by MGM producer Arthur Freed.
The movie stars Gene Kelly as Jerry Mulligan, an American ex-GI who decides to stay in Paris after World War II to pursue his dream of becoming a painter. Jerry falls in love with Lise Bouvier, played by Leslie Caron, a young French girl who is torn between her feelings for Jerry and her engagement to a wealthy Frenchman, Henri Baurel, portrayed by Georges Guétary. The film also features Oscar Levant as Jerry's witty and neurotic friend, Adam Cook.
One of the most memorable aspects of "An American in Paris" is its iconic musical sequences, which were choreographed by Gene Kelly himself, along with the involvement of renowned choreographer and dancer, Leslie Caron. The film's score is composed by George Gershwin, featuring some of his most famous compositions, including "I Got Rhythm," "Love is Here to Stay," and the titular "An American in Paris" symphonic tone poem, which serves as the backdrop to the movie's stunning 17-minute ballet sequence at the end.
The film's climax is a breathtaking and innovative ballet set to the music of Gershwin's "An American in Paris." This extended dance sequence, which combines art, music, and dance, is a visual and auditory spectacle and is considered one of the most famous dance numbers in the history of cinema. It showcases the artistic and emotional expression of the characters and the city of Paris itself.
"An American in Paris" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and was a commercial success. The film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and solidified its place in cinematic history as a beloved classic that continues to be celebrated for its artistry, music, and timeless storytelling.
About the poster artist:
Campeggi, nicknamed "Nano," has a unique style characterized by a sharp simplicity. The line of his drawings is distinct and thick, with few colors and elements. This essentiality is not an obstacle as it led him to create endless scenarios and combinations.
The style is vaguely reminiscent of Japanese prints and etchings: there is the same pursuit of cleanliness, balance, and graphic directness. Campeggi in some movie posters even reaches the conceptual style, choosing for the representation of the film just iconic objects, a face, an expression, a title. There is truly essential modernity in Campeggi's posters.
Silvano "Nano" Campeggi (1923–2018), born in Florence, Italy, was a painter and poster designer, today considered one of the most influential graphic artists in the history of American cinema. While living in Hollywood, he designed and produced the posters for many classic Hollywood films. As a result, he became known as "The Artist to the Stars".
Campeggi returned to Florence in the late 1990s after a long career in the United States, where he had created cinematic billboards for historical films such as 'Gone with the Wind," "Casablanca," "Singing in the Rain," "An American in Paris," "West Side Story," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Winners and Losers," "Exodus," and "Breakfast at Tiffany's."
His father, a printer and typesetter, introduced him to the world of graphics and design at an early age. Campeggi attended the Art School at Porta Romana, studying under accomplished painters such as Ottone Rosai and Ardengo Soffici.
Campeggi's first career breakthrough arrived in the form of a World War II commission from the American Red Cross to paint the portraits of American soldiers before they returned home. After the war, he moved to Rome, where he was engaged by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Following, he produced the poster for "Gone with the Wind," featuring a painting of Clark Gable holding Vivien Leigh in a passionate embrace.
Over the course of his career, Campeggi designed posters and advertising graphics for over 3000 films, designing for the likes of MGM, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Universal, Columbia Pictures, United Artists, RKO, 20th Century Fox, and several other movie studios. Sixty-four of the films he illustrated for won Oscars.
By the 1970s, film poster illustrations packed less of a punch due to the emergence of television and newspaper advertising. In response, Campeggi returned to Florence, Italy around that time. Various private and public organizations soon commissioned him to do paintings, including a postage stamp in 1975.
In 2008, for the 150th anniversary of Giacomo Puccini’s birth, Campeggi was commissioned to produce a special tribute titled "The Girls of Puccini." The same year, he began working on a Napoleon series to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the emperor's association with the island of Elba. The "Napoleon at Elba" exhibition opened in September 2008 at Portoferraio.
Search "Campeggi" to see his other posters.
Uploaded
February 10th, 2022
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