Cycles — Plinio Codognato, c.1900-10

This striking Belle Époque cycling poster by Plinio Codognato dates from the first decade of the 20th century — a period when the bicycle was transforming Italian society, offering ordinary people a new freedom of movement and inspiring some of the most dynamic and energetic advertising art of the age.

Plinio Codognato (1878–1940) was a Venetian artist and illustrator who became one of the leading figures in Italian commercial poster art in the early 20th century. His work combines the decorative elegance of the Belle Époque with a bold, modern energy that perfectly suited the excitement surrounding new technologies and sports. He is perhaps best known for his later automotive poster work, but his early cycling posters are considered among the finest of the genre in Italian graphic art.

The bicycle boom of the 1890s and early 1900s was a genuinely revolutionary phenomenon in Italy — democratising personal transport, inspiring new leisure pursuits and giving rise to a wealth of vivid, energetic advertising that celebrated speed, freedom and modernity. This poster is a wonderful example of that moment — bold, beautiful and full of the optimism of a new century.

Digitally restored by an artist (wear removed, colours refreshed, vintage character retained). Copyright: Personal use only — no resale or redistribution.

Download includes 5 high-resolution JPEG files: 4×5 (up to 40×50cm) · 3×4 (up to 18×24″) · 2×3 (up to 24×36″) · International (A5–A1, 50×70cm) · 11×14″

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