Nicolas Francisco Tamagno’s Striking Posters of the Late 19th Century

Nicolas Francisco Tamagno (1862–1933) was an Italian painter and lithographic poster artist who was active in France between 1880 and 1914. Born in Turin, Italy, he trained in Rome in watercolor and lithography before moving to Paris, where he studied at the École des Beaux-Arts.

Tamagno became well known for his collaboration with the Parisian printing house Victor Camis, with whom he produced over 100 posters between 1890 and 1900. His work is part of the golden age of French poster art, alongside artists like Jules Chéret and Alphonse Mucha.

One of his most iconic contributions was the creation of the “Pierrot” character for the Cointreau liqueur brand in 1898. This character was inspired by a photograph of the mime Najac taken by the famous photographer Nadar.

Tamagno’s artistic style is noted for its vivid colors, lively composition, and a blend of realism and stylization. His work reflects the Art Nouveau influences of his time and is considered an important part of the history of commercial and advertising art in France.

Mexiko, Rafraichissant Tonique Digestif, circa 1898

L'Eté à Ostende, 1893

Absinthe Terminus Bienfaisante, 1895

Bières du Croissant, 1895

D. Guillot Liqueurs, 1895

Exposition Russe Hippique Et Ethnographique Avec Participation Des Haras Imperiaux Champ-De-Mars, 1895

Soudan Villages Noirs 300 Indigenes, 1895

Ville de Bordeaux, XIIIe Exposition Internationale & Universelle, 1895

L'Absinthe Cusenier Oxygénée, "C'est ma santé", 1896

Moteur à Pétrole & à Gaz, Gnome, Paris, circa 1896

Ombrelle Bébé, circa 1896

L'Opéra-Bijou, Voilettes, Dentelles, Bijouteries pour Bals et Soirées, circa 1897

Phébus, circa 1897

Tournée Patris, La Passion, 1897

Chably, circa 1898

Cointreau, Triple-Sec, circa 1898

Imprimerie Camis, Paris, circa 1898

Imprimerie Camis, Paris, circa 1898

La Moto-Pompe, Tours, circa 1898

Liqueur Cointreau, Angers, circa 1898

Terrot Cycles Automobiles, Dijon, 1898

Cycles & Automobiles Cottereau & Cie., Dijon, circa 1899

Home - Décor, circa 1899

Montfermeil, circa 1899

Peugeot, 1899

Vin Pernod, "Le Pernod est toujours debout", circa 1899

Demandez un Marra, Apéritif sans rival, circa 1890s

Louis Despas & Cie., St. Hilaire-St. Florent, circa 1890s

St. Germain en Laye, sa forêt, sa terrasse, circa 1890s

Union des Distillateurs de France Kina-Cadet, circa 1890s