Chocolat Klaus Poster – Leonetto Cappiello (c. 1903)

This poster for the Swiss confectionery brand 'Chocolat Klaus' was created by Leonetto Cappiello, one of the more influential figures of the early 20th-century advertising industry. Cappiello pioneered a new visual language for commercial posters and advertising; abandoning detailed scenery in favor of bold, simplified imagery set against dark backgrounds. His 1903 design for Chocolat Klaus, which features an unknown woman riding a red horse, offers no direct product reference, marking a break from traditional realism and signaling the emergence of symbolic, attention grabbing modern branding.

Produced during the Belle Époque, when chocolate was marketed as both indulgence and nourishment, the poster reflects the rise of graphic advertising as an art form and commercial strategy. Cappiello’s stylistic innovations helped define a new era of consumer visual culture in Europe, where identity and memorability took precedence over literal representation.

Product features:

- EUTR-compliant woodstock, ensuring sustainable sourcing
- Printed with REACH-certified inks for safety
- Crafted from gallery-grade 220 gsm fine art paper
- Smooth matte finish for a sophisticated appearance

Care instructions
- If the poster does gather any dust, you may wipe it off gently with a clean, dry cloth.