Ernesto Cattoni

Introduce

Ernesto Cattoni born in 1936 Milan, was a distinguished Italian designer and illustrator who made significant contributions to automotive design and the world of visual humor. At just 15, he joined Alfa Romeo in 1951 as a draftsman. In 1957, he was invited to the company’s design center, where he played a pivotal role in iconic projects such as the Giulia, Alfetta, and 33. His work reflected his deep understanding of form and innovation, contributing to Alfa Romeo’s reputation for elegance and performance.

Parallel to his design career, Cattoni nurtured a passion for humor and illustration. In his spare time, he began drawing cartoons and humorous sketches, which were first published by L’Europeo. This marked the beginning of an illustrious artistic career, during which Cattoni created over 12,000 cartoons and illustrations, many of them wordless. His works appeared in publications worldwide, including Famiglia Cristiana, Paris Match, Epoca, Corriere della Sera, and Le Figaro. From the 1960s onward, his art was distributed globally by the Disegnatori Riuniti agency.

The National Humorists Association hailed Cattoni as “the poet of humor,” a testament to his ability to blend lightness and depth in his creations. His meticulously detailed drawings displayed an international cultural sensibility, setting him apart in the realm of Italian humorists.

Cattoni authored several books, such as Verde anch’io and Non brontolare amore, and illustrated religious texts like Il Vangelo, primo racconto and La Bibbia, primo racconto for Edizioni San Paolo. His art gracefully combined wit and insight, resonating with diverse audiences.

In the 1970s, Cattoni moved to Brunate, near Lake Como, and later settled in Bergamo, Italy. He held numerous exhibitions both nationally and internationally, often participating in events like the Festivaltravaglia dell’Arte Leggera. Renowned for his innovative spirit and artistic versatility, Ernesto Cattoni left a lasting legacy in both the automotive industry and the arts, celebrated as a master of design and humor.