''Dark Victory'' - 1939 - art by Luigi Martinati
by Movie World Posters
Title
''Dark Victory'' - 1939 - art by Luigi Martinati
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Photograph
Description
A vintage movie poster of ''Dark Victory'' -a 1939 American melodrama film directed by Edmund Goulding. This classic film is known for its emotional depth and powerful performances, particularly that of its lead actress, Bette Davis.
The film stars Bette Davis as Judith Traherne, a wealthy and vivacious young woman living a carefree life. However, her life takes a tragic turn when she is diagnosed with a terminal illness. As she faces her mortality, Judith undergoes a transformation, seeking to make the most of her remaining time.
George Brent plays Dr. Frederick Steele, Judith's physician, who becomes deeply involved in her care and provides her with emotional support. Humphrey Bogart also appears in a supporting role as Michael O'Leary, Judith's horse trainer.
"Dark Victory" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. It delves into the emotional and psychological journey of a woman who must confront her own mortality and reevaluate her priorities. The film is noted for its portrayal of the complexities of Judith's character as she grapples with her fate.
Bette Davis's performance in "Dark Victory" is widely regarded as one of her finest and most iconic. Her portrayal of Judith Traherne earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Davis's ability to convey a wide range of emotions, from initial vivacity to inner turmoil and acceptance of her condition, is a testament to her acting prowess.
Released in 1939, "Dark Victory" received critical acclaim and was a commercial success. It remains a classic in the genre of melodrama and is remembered for its compelling storytelling and the emotional depth brought to the screen by Bette Davis. The film's exploration of themes related to life, death, and the human spirit continues to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless and enduring cinematic work.
About the artist:
Luigi Martinati (1893-1983), born in Florence, Italy, on Dec. 31, 1893, was a significant Italian illustrator and painter. He spent most of his career creating artwork for film posters.
While growing up in Florence, he attended the Academy of Fine Arts, then moved to Rome in 1911 when he was 18. There, he worked as an apprentice for film poster artist Federico Ballester (1868-1926), the father of Anselmo Ballester, who also became a poster artist.
Between 1923 and 1941, he devoted himself to advertising illustration. He designed posters of various subjects and themes, from commercial advertising billboards to tourist signs to political posters to significant celebratory events.
He later became the director of IGAP (Impresa Generale Affissioni PubblicitĂ ), a leading advertising agency in Rome. In that role, he began collaborating with various film companies, primarily Warner Brothers studios. Soon after World War II, the advertising sector became dedicated exclusively to movie illustrations.
In the mid-1940s, he teamed up with two other painters of Italian film posters, Anselmo Ballester and Alfredo Capitani. Together, they founded BCM studio (using letters from their surnames) and dedicated their efforts exclusively to producing film posters.
Martinati's images typically invoked robust realism. His style was characterized by a foreground depicting a large portrait with a minor scene in the background. He also stands out for his technique, which focused on the strength of the subjects without lingering on details and particulars. The heroes of Martinati posters are realistic and believable, with few exaggerated expressions or poses..
In 1959, he cut back on his partnership with Warner Brothers and other film production and distribution companies. By 1967, he discontinued his successful career as a film poster artist to work primarily as an easel painter.
He died in Rome in 1983 at the age of 90.
To see some of his other posters, enter his last name in the search.
Uploaded
August 22nd, 2021
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