Swiss painter and illustrator Emil Cardinaux was a pioneer of poster design, credited with creating the world’s first modern tourism poster in 1908. Characterized by his use of muted colors and simple yet powerful imagery, Cardinaux’s designs of more than 130 posters captured the world’s attention during the early 20th century and remain highly coveted by art dealers and collectors today.
Born in 1877, Cardinaux was encouraged by his parents to study law at the University of Bern before he turned his attention toward art, taking drawing lessons at the Berner Kunstschule under artist Paul Volmar. In 1898, he moved to Munich to continue his art studies, attending the Akademie der Bildenden Künste München as a student of painter Franz von Stuck.
Following his studies, Cardinaux traveled extensively throughout France, Italy and the Netherlands before returning to Bern in 1903 to focus on landscape painting.
In 1908, Cardinaux was commissioned by the Swiss government to design a promotional poster depicting the country’s famous Matterhorn mountain and Zermatt ski area. Inspired by the stark, symbolist paintings and prints of Swiss artist Ferdinand Hodler, Cardinaux captured the mountain peak in its simplest form, overlooking a shadow-soaked valley.
Cardinaux’s streamlined Jugendstil style was a signature of many of his lithographic posters and landscape prints. He also designed materials for companies, including Tobler Schokolade (makers of Toblerone), the Bern truck factory and Bally shoes.
Throughout his career, Cardinaux created an extensive array of works, such as book illustrations, mono-card designs, printed material, landscape paintings and caricature drawings. However, his iconic posters are most sought after by Art Nouveau and Art Deco collectors and aficionados.
On 1stDibs, find a range of Emil Cardinaux prints and paintings.
Emil Cardinaux (1877-1936) - Fine Framed 1931 Oil, The Train Tracks
By Emile Cardinaux
Located in Corsham, GB
Delighted to present a very fine landscape study by the Swiss painter Emil Cardinaux. Known for his wonderful tourist posters and graphic designs, this unusual study still reflects h...
Oil
$2,350
H 20.625 in W 25.625 in D 1 in
Mid-20th Century Oil on Board Abstract Impressionist Maritime Scene, René Genis
By René Genis
Located in Berlin, MD
Step into the bustling energy of a portside moment with René Genis’ “Les Grues” (The Cranes)”, a captivating oil-on-mat-board painting that transforms the in...
Oil, Illustration Board
$2,274
H 24 in W 40 in
LARGE OIL PAINTING MARITIME SHIP MASTER PIECE 20th CENTURY NICE GOLD GILT FRAME
Located in Ferndown, GB
LARGE OIL PAINTING MARITIME SHIP MASTER PIECE 20th CENTURY FINE MARTINE PAINTING ORIGINAL 20th Century OIL PAINTING GOLD GILT FRAME Good condition for age , (see pictures) Descri...
Oil
$6,410
H 27.5 in W 23.5 in
OIL PAINTING By LOUIS DODD 20th CENTURY NAVY / MARITIME PIECE GOLD GILT FRAME
By Louis Dodd
Located in Ferndown, GB
FINE 20th Century Piece By Louis Dodd SEASCAPE British old master oil Style painting in a Gold Gilt Frame Description “condition is very good for age , o...
Oil
$3,600Sale Price|25% Off
H 13 in W 17.33 in
Circle of David Teniers, Landscape with Peasants by an Inn and a River, Dutch
By David Teniers the Younger
Located in Greven, DE
Circle of Teniers, Peasants in a Landscape passing by a river and an Inn.
Oil, Panel
$5,401
H 25.6 in W 30.71 in D 1.97 in
19th Century Roman Landscape oil on canvas with Giltwood Frame
Located in Rome, IT
Amaizing 19' century Roman landscape depicting a part of Villa Borghese with Trinità dei Monti. With a finely carved gilt wood coeval frame. Measurements with frame cm 65 x78 wit...
Oil
$1,800Sale Price|68% Off
H 30 in W 40 in D 0.875 in
"Being There" Original Oil Painting by Robert White, Frameless Display
Located in Encino, CA
“Being There,” an original oil on canvas by Robert K. White, is a piece for the true collector. White’s careful attention to detail and vivid use of browns and reds project from the painting, immediately capturing the viewer's attention and highlighting the artist's keen ability to capture emotion and life - all in a brushstroke. White's talent for depicting light and shadow provides the foundation for him to deliver subjects and scenes to the viewer's eye. This masterful work would make a great addition to an art collection and enhance most any home, perfect for those who have an affinity for cityscapes, theater, and architecture. In the artist’s own words, “I don’t paint what is inside of me; I paint what I see outside of me. I’m an observer. If I see something and I feel an affinity for it, something just clicks in my head. I’ll make the decision right then and there to paint that particular subject during that particular moment. It’s a perfect moment. Once something has caught my eye and I’ve heard the “perfect” click, it’s like a photograph has been taken in my mind’s eye. I only have a few days of clarity with that image. I have to start the painting quickly or else it will be gone and I will lose that image forever.” Artist: ROBERT KENNETH WHITE...
Oil, Canvas
$2,412
H 31 in W 25 in
OIL PAINTING High Quality 19th CENTURY Calm Seas Gold Gilt Frame
By George Wright
Located in Ferndown, GB
OIL PAINTING 19th CENTURY Cram Seas GGF Description 19th Century Good condition canvas ..Piece has been cleaned , no repairs , Frame is in Good condition for age (see pictures) De...
Oil
$2,688
H 28 in W 20 in
OIL PAINTING Antique 19thCentury By E.Horton British Gold Gilt Frame
By Etty Horton
Located in Ferndown, GB
ORIGINAL ARTIST E . Horton 19th CENTURY BRITISH OIL PAINTING Fine Medium Size Original Antique 19th Century British OIL PAINTING Romantic Scene GOLD GILT FRAME Good Condition ...
Oil
$8,552Sale Price|25% Off
H 51.19 in W 33.47 in D 1.19 in
Venice Landscape Italian Oil on Canvas Painting in Gilt Wood Frame, Belle Epoque
Located in Firenze, IT
This delightful turn of the century (early 20th century) oil on canvas painting represents an Italian landscape with one of the most famous squares in the world: Piazza San Marco in ...
Canvas, Oil
$3,377
H 22 in W 18.5 in
OIL PAINTING 19th Century attributed to Robert E . Roe British Gold Gilt Frame
Located in Ferndown, GB
Oil PAINTING Antique 19th Century OIL PAINTING BRITISH SCHOOL 19th Century Gold Frame Description Late 19th century “Good Condition on Canvas " Very Good condition Piece , clea...
Oil
$6,135
H 42 in W 32 in
LARGE OIL PAINTING by ANTHONY BRANDRETT (NAVY ADMIRALTY 20th CENTURY PIECE
Located in Ferndown, GB
LARGE FINE 20th Century Piece Maritime Battle Scene British oil painting in a Gold Gilt Frame FINE RARE MARTINE PAINTING ORIGINAL 20th Century OLD MASTER STYLE OIL PAINTING GOLD GILT FRAME Good condition for age , (see pictures) Description Born in 1940 Anthony Brandrett...
Oil
LARGE OIL PAINTING 19th CENTURY Catch Gold Gilt Frame
By Charles Richards
Located in Ferndown, GB
OLD MASTER OIL PAINTING High Quality 19th CENTURY The Catch GGF Description OLD MASTER LARGE OIL PAINTING 19th Century NEW COLLECTION Of RARE PIECES OF ENGLISH HISTORY Good cond...
Oil