271

Aurelio Bertiglia

(1891-1973)

Children milling corn postcard art. Circa 1930.

Pencil, ink, watercolor and tempera on thin cardboard.
Signed in lower right.
7 1/4 x 11 3/4 in. (18.4 x 29.8 cm.), Frame: 15 1/2 x 19 1/2 in. (39.4 x 49.5 cm.)

  • Notes:
    Original illustration made by Bertiglia during the 1930s for one of his famous postcards featuring children. Practically self-taught, from the age of fourteen Bertiglia began drawing propaganda postcards of the Great War with anti-Austrian caricatures on behalf of Italian publishers. Immediately after the war he continued his activity as an illustrator, inaugurating the series that would make him famous in the world of images: children. He draws chubby little bodies with disproportionately large heads and languid eyes, in poses that invoke protection. It is clear from these attitudes that these characters are aimed at an adult audience rather than a child audience. Bertiglia's children are true transformists: according to circumstances they transform to adapt to dominant trends. They dress as fascists at the time of the advent of the regime; they smile and wave from greeting cards, emerging from Easter eggs or under Christmas trees.
  • Condition:
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December 4, 2025 12:00 PM EST
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