The drama and spectacle of 19th Century Italian opera was perfectly conveyed by the flamboyant posters of Adolpho Hohenstein (1854 – 1928). Hohenstein, a German Art Nouveau master, was so synonymous with the Italian spirit that he was called “Father of the Italian Poster.” Hired by Ricordi, a music publisher which also printed posters advertising its music, Hohenstein oversaw their staff, designed postcards, and created his signature posters. Hohenstein’s 10-foot-tall posters transformed the Italian poster into an art form and perfectly complemented the drama of the theatrical Italian opera.

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