Description
This exceptional authenticated vintage poster represents a cornerstone of cinema history and original vintage poster collecting. The stunning Italian release artwork for Sergio Leone’s legendary 1965 spaghetti western “Per Qualche Dollaro in Più” (For a Few Dollars More) was masterfully illustrated by renowned artist Averardo Ciriello, one of Italy’s most prolific and celebrated mid-20th-century poster designers.
Ciriello’s dynamic composition captures the essence of Leone’s iconic western perfectly: Clint Eastwood dominates the composition astride a horse, revolver in hand, his penetrating gaze and distinctive squint commanding the viewer’s attention. The supporting cast, including Lee Van Cleef and Gian Maria Volontè, are artfully rendered below in the lower register, creating visual hierarchy and narrative depth. Bold, commanding typography in striking blue dominates the warm ochre-gold background, delivering maximum visual impact and readability—hallmarks of Ciriello’s commercial design genius.
This certified vintage poster is an original linen-backed color lithograph from the 1965 theatrical release, measuring a substantial 39 x 55 inches. Linen backing was the gold standard for preservation during this era, protecting the delicate paper substrate and ensuring the poster’s longevity. The printing quality exemplifies Italian lithographic excellence—the color registration is precise, the ink saturation remains vivid, and the tonal gradations demonstrate masterful technical execution.
Averado Ciriello (1909-1990) helped define the visual language of Italian cinema marketing throughout the 1950s-1970s. His work appears on countless antique posters now housed in major museum collections. This poster perfectly encapsulates his signature style: bold human figures, dramatic positioning, strong color contrasts, and an innate understanding of theatrical appeal that translates brilliantly at billboard scale.
The poster’s condition reflects careful preservation and professional conservation. The linen backing has stabilized the paper, preserving color vibrancy and preventing age-related deterioration common in unlined examples. For serious collectors of authentic vintage posters, Sergio Leone memorabilia, or spaghetti western cinema history, this represents both an exceptional investment and a stunning visual statement. Museums, galleries, and discerning collectors recognize Ciriello’s work as museum-quality cinema ephemera—the artistic intersection of fine design and popular culture that defines mid-century poster artistry.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.