Gino Boccasile

Art Appreciation

Gino Boccasile was an Italian illustrator who work captured the imagination of people around the world. His work encompassed a wide range of subjects, including advertising, fashion, and propaganda.

Born on July 14, 1901, in Bari, Italy, Gino Boccasile displayed an early aptitude to design and completed studies at the fine arts school of his home town. After the death of his father, he moved to Milan, and eventually gained a post at the Mauzan-Morzenti Agency producing posters and illustrating fashion magazines. 

In his 30s, he participated in the Salon des Indépendants, art exhibition in Paris, and opened a publicity agency called ACTA, in Galleria del Corso. He illustrated for several Italian periodicals and designs book covers for publishers Mondadori and Rizzoli. A supporter of Benito Mussolini, Boccasile produced propaganda material for his government.

His involvement in propaganda during World War II propelled Boccasile into he spotlight on an international scale. His artistic skills were sought after by the Italian Fascist regime, and he became one of the leadings propagandists of the time. While controversial, Boccasile's propaganda art undeniably showcased his technical prowess and ability to convey powerful messages through visual means.

As expected, Boccasile faced scrutiny after the war for his involvement with the Fascist regime. In fact, he was imprisoned. Although acquitted, he struggled to find work. He briefly supported himself by doing pornographic sketches. 

He managed to rebuild his career by starting his own agency in Milan where he created memorable illustrations for magazines, publishers, and advertisement agencies.

Anti-American Fascist propaganda poster (1943)

Lugano Suisse Southern Switzerland Schweiz (1939)

Paris Tabou: Revue Mensuelle (1952)

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gino_Boccasile

http://spartacus-educational.com/2WWboccasile.htm

https://conchigliadivenere.wordpress.com/2013/12/20/gino-boccasile-1901-1952-italian/

http://www.posterclassics.com/boccasile-posters1.html

http://www.internationalposter.com/artist-detail.aspx?id=461

http://www.callihan.com/art/vintage/gino-boccasile.html

http://www.pierangelo-boog.com/2013/05/gino-boccasile-great-italian-illustrator.html

http://galleria.thule-italia.com/tag/boccasile/?lang=en#!prettyPhoto

https://www.fondazionepirelli.org/en/activities/stories-from-world-of-pirelli/gino-boccasile-a-great-artist-for-pirelli/

https://www.germannauktionen.ch/en/items/20886-gino-boccasile