''The Master of Ballantrae'', 1953 - art by Luigi Martinati
by Movie World Posters
Title
''The Master of Ballantrae'', 1953 - art by Luigi Martinati
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Posters
Description
A vintage Italian movie poster of ''The Master of Ballantrae'', a 1953 adventure film based on the novel of the same name by Robert Louis Stevenson. The film was directed by William Keighley and stars Errol Flynn, Roger Livesey, and Anthony Steel in leading roles.
The story is set in the 18th century and revolves around the Durrisdeer family in Scotland. Errol Flynn plays the role of James Durie, the younger son of the Durrisdeer family. James is a rebellious and adventurous character who becomes involved in the Jacobite uprising against the British crown. His older brother, Henry Durie, played by Roger Livesey, is a more responsible and loyal man who remains loyal to the British government.
The film follows the power struggle and conflict between the two brothers as they take opposing sides in the Jacobite rebellion. James Durie is portrayed as a charismatic and cunning figure who engages in piracy, espionage, and various intrigues. The story unfolds with themes of betrayal, loyalty, and family dynamics.
"The Master of Ballantrae" is known for its swashbuckling action sequences, with Errol Flynn showcasing his trademark adventurous and heroic persona. The film combines elements of historical drama, adventure, and romance, making it an engaging and entertaining watch for fans of classic cinema.
While the movie received mixed reviews upon its release, Errol Flynn's performance and the film's adventurous plot have contributed to its enduring appeal among fans of classic Hollywood cinema.
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
May 30th, 2021
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