127

LEONETTO CAPPIELLO (1875-1942). [UNTAMED TUMBLE]. Signed oil painting. 40½x31 inches, 102¾x78¾ cm.


LEONETTO CAPPIELLO (1875-1942)

[UNTAMED TUMBLE]. Signed oil painting.


40½x31 inches, 102¾x78¾ cm.
Condition A- / B+: lower left corner replaced and reinforced by board on verso, with in-painting; pin holes and chipping at edges. Oil painting on board, signed by the artist. Framed without glass.

In this dynamic, twisting composition of a large feline and nude red-headed woman, Cappiello diverges from his usual style in the "fleshed-out," expressionist female figure. This painting is not identifiable as a design for a realized poster or project, but does encapsulate Cappiello's emblematic oeuvre of an animal and figure, in motion, against a swirling background. Cappiello "immediately recognize[d] the power of animals in advertising . . . cats, dragons, unicorns, lions, tigers, elephants, buffalo, rams and birds of all feathers populate his designs" (Cappiello / Rennert, p. 27). The symbolism of the image is unclear, but the effect is a bold, captivating design.

Cappiello's earliest paintings, predominantly portraits and landscapes, date back to 1886, when he was only 11 years old. He then focused on political and entertainment caricatures for several years before melding his talents in portraiture and linework into his famed poster career.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

February 20, 2025 10:30 AM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0-100,000:
30.0%
$100,001-1,000,000:
25.0%
$1,000,001+:
17.0%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000