Manifesti

Manifesti is the plural of manifesto in Italian, but in common usage it also denotes posters: large printed notices pasted in public spaces to announce events, advertise products, or convey political messages. Posters rely on typography, imagery and concise text to catch attention and transmit information rapidly.

The production of posters expanded with advances in printing in the 19th century, especially lithography, enabling mass reproduction. Into the 20th century, posters played central roles in advertising, theater and cinema, and in political campaigns. Outdoor posters were affixed using paste or adhesives and later with modern mounting methods.

Manifesti cover advertising posters, event posters, film posters and political posters and public service notices. Formats vary, often in portrait orientation; sizes range from a few square inches to large billboards. Materials include paper, coated papers, vinyl and other weather-resistant substrates for outdoor use.

Design and production: effective manifesti use bold typography, imagery and color to communicate at a glance. Production methods include lithography, offset printing, silkscreen and digital printing. Conservation concerns value original posters as graphic design artifacts and urban cultural heritage.

Cultural significance: manifesti document social history—commercial practices, political campaigns and popular culture. They are collected, studied and displayed in museums and archives, and remain a visible element of urban life worldwide.