Leonetto Cappiello (9 April 1875 – 2 February 1942) was an artist known for the creation of poster designs. He defined his own style that made his works stand out. Cappiello would later be referred to as “the father of all designs.” Although born in Livorno, Italy, he lived most of his life in Paris. Cappiello’s passion for poster design was inspired by early poster designers, although he developed a personalized style characterized with bold brushes and soft colors. His style often featured figures on dark backgrounds, contrasting what his predecessors practiced. With no formal art training, but a determination to make art, he set out to use his creativity, observation and experimentation to build on his style. Being in the advertisement art design, he covered several subjects, ranging from fashion to food, liquor to a range of other products. If there is something that defined his art, it was the laughter he inspired through his style.
Having moved to Paris in 1898 to work with fine art artists of his time, Cappiello set out to create unique yet pleasing art. His unique style opened doors for jobs with a number of French publications. In 1900, he was contracted by a French publisher, Vercasson, to create art. Cappiello grew because of his openness to new ideas. He was also inspired by Cassandre and other poster designers of his time. His style and technique have remained a big influence in today's advertisement art. At the time of his death, he was among the leading poster design artists in the whole of Europe. Several framed Leonetto Cappiello art have been sold and continue to sell through several galleries across the globe. His watercolor paintings are collected both in private and public galleries.