The Hidden Fortress by Luigi Martinati (I.N.D.I.E.F., 1959). Fine/Very Fine. Signed Original Gouache Painting Italian Poster...

Description

The Hidden Fortress by Luigi Martinati (I.N.D.I.E.F., 1959). Fine/Very Fine. Signed Original Gouache Painting Italian Poster Artwork on Paper (18" X 26").
Born in Italy in 1893, by the time Luigi Martinati was in his late teens he was working in the world of advertising in Rome. His first movie poster efforts were from the early 1920s, but he didn't hit his stride until the early 1930s. Known today as one of the masters of Italian movie posters artists, he and his contemporaries, Anselmo Ballester, Alfredo Capitani, Brini, and others would create the greatest of poster art from the 1930s through the 1950s. Martinati's main contribution to the art was the use of the large portrait of the star as the central element and surrounded by smaller scenic vignettes, as so brilliantly seen in this art. Created for the Italian 2 - fogli, this gouache painting shows Toshiro Mifune in full force with lovely portrait of Misa Uehara as Princess Yuki in the background. Signs of usage include corner creases, foxing in the borders, and a few small tears. There are a couple of tears above Mifune's head that have been braced with a couple of strips of archival tape on the verso. Original Italian art of this period is very scarce and rarely seen at auction.


Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.

Please see full-color, enlargeable images above for more details.

View movie details on IMDB
View movie details on AllMovie