Milan Exhibition 1906 (Metlicovitz)

The occasion for the 1906 international exhibition was the inauguration of the Simplon Tunnel, the world's longest railway tunnel — a technical tour de force that took almost eight years to complete. The new Simplon Express connected Milan to the metropoles of Paris and London. This poster design was the prize-winning entry in a contest to produce a poster to celebrate the opening of the Simplon Tunnel through the Alps in 1906. Leopoldo Metlicovitz (1869-1944) often used naked figures featuring romantic and mythological elements. Here Mercury, with his winged helmet, suggests speed as the train leaves the tunnel with Milan in the distance. This is an original print from 1906 linen backed in superb condition with bright unfaded colour and no restoration. Produced in several languages, this is the most sought after English language version. Currently beautifully conservation framed with UV filtering glazing - the frame will be provided free if required.