Fratini was more than a masterful artist—he was a force who left Italy and found himself at the centre of Swinging London, immersing himself in its nightlife, culture, and art scene. He lived quickly, painted even faster, and seized life by the horns. He was known as “an illustration god,” and in an industry brimming with talent, Fratini truly stood apart.

Renato Fratini (1932–1973) was one of the great mid-century illustrators, renowned for his speed, elegance, and cinematic impact. Trained in Rome, he became a leading talent at Studio Favalli, producing dynamic artwork for Italian film posters before moving to London in the late 1950s.

In Britain he flourished, shaping the look of everything from romance paperbacks and magazine covers to international film campaigns. His most famous work — the poster for James Bond’s From Russia With Love (1963) — remains an icon of cinema history.

Fratini’s was considered an illustration god. His brushwork on par with the greats of the era including Bob Peak and Robert Fuchs, and so distinctive it was often imitated by peers. Yet after his untimely death in Mexico at just 40, his name slipped into obscurity. Today, he is recognised as standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the giants of illustration, outshining both Italian and British colleagues of his generation.