Description
The Menton Fête Internationale du Citron poster – Studio Bazzoli distills the festival’s identity into a bold, late 20th-century graphic statement. A serene female face radiates outward in a crown of lemons and leaves, set against a deep Mediterranean blue. Both iconic and decorative, the composition captures the spectacle and citrus heritage of Menton’s celebrated event. Issued in 1986, it reflects a confident, modernized festival image.
Overview
Designed by Studio Bazzoli and printed by Imprimerie Corogec, this 1986 poster promotes Menton’s internationally recognized Lemon Festival. By this stage, the festival had evolved into a major visual and cultural event, and its posters embraced strong, emblematic imagery. This example stands out for its scale and clarity, moving away from narrative scenes toward a singular, memorable motif.
Visual Composition
The composition is organized around a central, stylized female face rendered in smooth, pale tones. Surrounding it, layered lemon shapes in yellow and green form a radiating halo, creating both symmetry and movement. The repetition is controlled but varied, giving the image rhythm without rigidity. A banded blue base suggests sea and horizon, anchoring the otherwise expansive field. The saturated cobalt background intensifies contrast, allowing the citrus forms to read with immediacy and brightness. The result is graphic, balanced, and instantly legible.
Context & Provenance
First established in 1934, the Fête du Citron grew from a regional celebration of Menton’s citrus production into an internationally recognized festival. By the 1980s, its visual identity leaned toward bold graphic symbolism, as seen here. Studio Bazzoli’s design reflects this shift, presenting the festival as both cultural emblem and visual spectacle.
Condition
Grade: A– (linen-backed)
Professionally conservation mounted on linen. Colors remain strong and fresh with only minor, age-appropriate wear. Ready for framing.
Specifications
- Artist/Studio: Studio Bazzoli
- Title: Fête Internationale du Citron, Menton
- Printer: Imprimerie Corogec
- Date: 1986
- Format: Large format (larger than standard French travel poster size)
- Original lithograph
- Linen-backed: Yes
- Condition: A–
Authenticity
This is an original lithograph vintage poster, not a reproduction. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
Framing
Linen-backed and stable, suitable for immediate framing. A restrained frame will support the strong color field and central composition.
Purchase & Shipping
Ships securely packaged, fully insured, and tracked for transit.
Collector Notes
Later Menton posters from the 1980s are less common on the market than earlier examples, particularly in large format. This piece combines graphic clarity with strong decorative appeal, making it well-suited for collectors of both Riviera material and bold modern poster design.
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