Bitter Campari

1860: Campari was invented by Gaspare Campari in  Italy. It was originally coloured with carmine dye, derived from crushed cochineal insects. This gave the drink its distinctive red colour and name "Red Passion".

1920: The Americano and Negroni were invented with the Red Passion at their heart.  Around this time Campari commissioned many great artists for their advertising.  

Cappiello, inspired by watching theatrical artists performing in front of dark curtains,  designed the Spiritello sprite wrapped in an orange peel.  This image was originally designed for the rival brand - Picon, however, Picon did not want to use the image so the now famous sprite was offered to Campari instead.

Artist: Cappiello

Year: 1921

Dimensions: W 70cm x H 100cm