Vintage Food Poster Appraisal

Framed 'Pasta Poster' Print by Lorenzo Scaretti

The item is a framed 'Pasta Poster' print by Italian artist Lorenzo Scaretti, created in 1981. It measures approximately 20 inches by 29 inches, including the frame. The print is professionally housed within a gold-tone wooden frame, featuring a subtle decorative inner border, and is set off by a clean white mat. The poster itself serves as a comprehensive visual guide to various Italian pasta shapes, meticulously illustrated in a palette of pale yellow, tan, and cream hues, enhanced with subtle shading to impart depth, all set against a light grey or off-white background. The prominent title 'PASTA POSTER' is rendered in bold, uppercase red lettering at the top of the print. Below the main title, the pasta varieties are categorized and organized into distinct sections, with headings such as 'MACCHERONI,' 'PASTINE,' and 'PASTA ALL'UOVO,' presented in a recognizable green font. Each individual pasta shape is clearly labeled with its traditional Italian name, making the print both decorative and educational. Notable manufacturing details include the artist's signature, 'Lorenzo Scaretti,' visible in the lower-left corner, along with the copyright or publisher mark 'C.E.L.A. 1981,' confirming its origin and date. The print embodies a late 20th-century illustrative style, blending culinary information with artistic appeal. The overall condition of the poster appears to be excellent, with no visible signs of significant fading, tears, creases, or foxing, suggesting it has been well-preserved and protected behind glass within its frame. The frame itself exhibits a light patina and minor surface wear consistent with its age, but no major damage or structural issues are discernible. The matting is clean, free from acid burn or discoloration. This framed art piece, originally purchased in Florence, Italy, in 1997, functions as a charming and informative piece of kitchen or restaurant decor, showcasing a wide array of Italian pasta forms with clear artistic detail and colors that remain robust for a print of its age, indicative of good quality printing and careful preservation.