Olivetti

Olivetti

1947
Designer
Giovanni Pintori, Italian, 1912-1999
Born: Tresnuraghes, Italy
Country
Italy
Object
poster
Medium
Lithograph
Accession Number
1994.480
Credit Line
Gift of Keith Shaver
Giovanni Pintori (Italian). Olivetti. 1947. Lithograph. Gift of Keith Shaver. 1994.480.
Dimensions
height: 28 in, 71.12 cm; width: 19 3/4 in, 50.165 cm
Inscription
Olivetti P9-30 Affisione Autorizzata Questura Milano in Data 9-1-1956 Stab. Po' G Columbi S.P.A. - Milano
Department
Architecture and Design
Collection
Architecture and Design

Giovanni Pintori
Italian, 1912–99
Olivetti
1947
Lithograph
Gift of Keith Shaver, 1994.480

Hired in 1936, Giovanni Pintori was a master at visually communicating Olivetti’s innovations. Instead of advertising one specific product, this poster conveys a broader message about the company. The design incorporates an abacus, a symbol identified with calculation since ancient times. The playfulness of the interwoven flowers lends a light touch that draws a parallel between the ease of calculation by both an abacus and an Olivetti adding machine.

Known Provenance
Gifted 1994 by Keith Shaver to the Denver Art Museum.
Exhibition History
  • "Olivetti: Innovation and Identity" — Denver Art Museum, 10/30/2010 - 3/24/2013 (object on view 6/27/2011 - 6/4/2012)