GIAN (CARLO) ROSSETTI – Illustrator

(Milan, 1920 – 1994)

Gian Carlo Rossetti was born in Milan on June 26, 1920. After studying with Gino Boccasile, he studied at the High School of Applied Arts, from which he graduated in 1937. His activity was always characterized by his fervor, especially in his career as a billboard poster artist for important companies such as Pavesi, Marzotto, Galbani, Bertelli and Scala d’Oro. He also created several posters for the Italian Government, and in particular we mention a poster of 1953 concerning the fiscal levy. For the Braibanti pasta factory – which has now been absorbed into the Barilla Group – in the 1950s and 1060s he created the humorous and amusing sketches of chefs with round heads, undertaking improbable adventures in space or at sea in order to spread the name of the brand to the ends of the earth. He was also responsible for the creation of a quaint toy train outfitted with real pasta shapes and dolls. After a life of intensive work, he died in Milan in February 1994.

Cecilia Farinelli

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