Italian Cultural Posters collection, 1930s-1980s and undated bulk 1970-1989

Using These Materials Teaser

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:
Collection is open for research.
More about accessing and using these materials...

Summary

Creator:
David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library
Abstract:
Collection consists of 115 Italian cultural and political posters, the bulk of which date from the 1970s and 1980s. Nearly half of the posters were printed by the Italian Communist Party (Pci) offices in Milan and Rome, chiefly in the 1970s, and address themes such as control of the media (particularly television and newspapers), the environment, elections, educational reform, political radicalism, labor issues, voting rights, patronage and other forms of corruption, and taxation. Many posters display the images and words of political activists from around the world. Some posters refer to Francoism, to American leaders such as President Nixon, and to the Vietnam War. Many of the latter express an anti-American position. Other posters in the collection advertise art and design exhibits, and announce celebrations and civic events. Also includes a set of 38 color slides of elections broadsides (1986-1987) posted in public spaces in Italy.
Extent:
4 Linear Feet
115 Items
Language:
Material in Italian
Collection ID:
RL.00621

Background

Scope and content:

Collection consists of 115 Italian cultural and political posters, the bulk of which date from the 1970s and 1980s. Nearly half of the posters were printed by the Italian Communist Party (Pci) offices in Milan and Rome, chiefly in the 1970s, and address themes such as control of the media (particularly television and newspapers), the environment, elections, educational reform, labor issues, voting rights, patronage and other forms of corruption, and taxation. Some posters express opposition to Francoism, to American leaders such as President Nixon, and to American participation in the Vietnam War. Other individuals highlighted in the posters include political figures such as Lenin, and activists such as Angela Davis, Antonio Gramsci, George Jackson (Black Panther), Rosa Luxemburg, and Palmiro Togliatti. Among the many organizations referred are: NATO, the Pci (Communist Party), Pdc (Christian Democrats), and the Comitato Permanente Unitario Antifascista. One poster is a modern reproduction of a painting of an Italian political rally, circa 1901.

Although the majority of the posters carry a political message, others in the collection advertise art and design exhibits, referring to Italian artists ranging from Leonardo da Vinci to video artist Fabrizio Plessi; there are also a smaller number of posters advertising tourist locations and announcing celebrations and civic events held chiefly in Milan and Urbino but also other cities in Italy. Some posters are duplicates of others. Also includes a set of 38 color slides of elections broadsides (1986-1987) posted in public spaces in Italy.

The posters have been digitized and are available online on the Duke Libraries Digital Collections website. Online English translations provided by Paula Jeannet Mangiafico.

Acquisition information:
The Italian Cultural Posters collection was received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library Library as a gift in 2009 from Peter Lange and Martha Scotford.
Processing information:

Processed by Rubenstein Library staff, 2011

Metadata and translations for digitized posters provided by Paula Jeannet, July 2011

Encoded by Noah Huffman and Paula Jeannet, July 2011

Accession(s) described in this finding aid: 2009-0278

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library Library.

Before you visit:
Please consult our up-to-date information for visitors page, as our services and guidelines periodically change.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Italian Cultural Posters Collection, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.