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
$1,065
H 13 in W 16 in
1950's French Impressionist Oil Fishing Boats Anchored Beach Estuary
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Etaples Simone Forge 1950's French Impressionist oil on board unframed board: 13 x 16 inches inscribed verso Provenance: private collection, Paris Condition: overall good and sound...
Oil
$990
H 13 in W 16 in
1930's French Impressionist Harbor Scene with Boats and Billowing Sails
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Harbor Scene Simone Forge 1930's French Impressionist oil on board unframed board: 13 x 16 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: great condition For more any more info...
Oil
$722
H 16 in W 13 in
French Autumn Landscape with Bright Foliage and Figures in the Park Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Autumn Landscape Simone Forge 1930's French Impressionist oil on board unframed board: 16 x 13 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: great condition For more any more i...
Oil
$928
H 13 in W 16 in
Colorful Fishing Boats on a Sandy Shore under a Cloudy Sky 1930's French
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Fishing Boats Lined Along the Shore Simone Forge 1930's French Impressionist signed oil on board unframed board: 13 x 16 inches inscribed verso Provenance: private collection Condit...
Oil
$1,800Sale Price|25% Off
H 32.29 in W 18.12 in
Vedutist Venetian painter - 19th century landscape painting - Venice View
Located in Varmo, IT
Venetian painter (19th century) - Venice, view of the Campiello del le Chiovere towards the church of San Rocco and the bell tower of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. 73 x 37 cm with...
Canvas, Oil
$1,388
H 13 in W 18 in
Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Oil Dusty Sand Dunes Landscape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Simone Forge 1930's French Impressionist oil on board unframed board: 13 x 18 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: great condition For more any more information plea...
Oil
$1,388
H 16 in W 13 in
Mid 20th Century French Post-Impressionist Oil Busy French Town Street Figures
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The French Town Simone Forge 1930-1950's French Impressionist artist oil on board unframed board: 16 x 13 inches inscribed verso Provenance: private collection, Francec Condition: gr...
Oil
$1,388
H 13 in W 16 in
Mid 20th Century French Impressionist Oil Sand Dunes Coastal Seascape
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Beach Scene Simone Forge 1930's French Impressionist oil on board unframed board: 13 x 16 inches Provenance: private collection, France Condition: great condition For more any mo...
Oil
$1,148
H 13 in W 16 in
1930's French Post Impressionist Busy French Market Scene Many Figures
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The French Market Simone Forge, 1930's French Impressionist oil on board unframed signed verso "Sim" board: 13 x 16 inches Provenance: private collection, Paris Condition: good and ...
Oil
$1,065
H 13 in W 16 in
1930's French Impressionist Oil Fishing Boats Beached in Estuary
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Fishing Boats Simone Forge 1930's French Impressionist oil on board unframed board: 13 x 16 inches Provenance: private collection, Paris Condition: overall good and sound condition...
Oil
$928
H 13 in W 16 in
1930's French Impressionist Beached Blue Fishing Boat Under Cloudy Skies
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Beached Fishing Boat Simone Forge 1930's French Impressionist oil on board unframed board: 13 x 16 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: great condition For more any m...
Oil
$1,388
H 13 in W 16 in
French Impressionist Riverside Village with Red Roofs and Verdant Foliage
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Riverside Village Simone Forge 1930's French Impressionist oil on board unframed board: 13 x 16 inches Provenance: private collection Condition: great condition For more any more...
Oil