The present iteration of the Alfa Romeo emblem was designed in 1910, making it a relatively recent design. However, it has a wide variety of topics, which is why designers should be interested in it. At its core, the logo bears the coat of arms of Milan as it appeared between the 14th and 15th centuries; they are the city’s identifying emblems.
The Alfa Romeo emblem exudes class and sophistication at every turn. When examined more closely, aspects of historical and heraldic significance are discovered to be present. To phrase it another way, there is a substantial amount of historical material included inside the present form.
Alfa Romeo Slogan
- Driven by Passion.
- Racing since 1911.
- Mediocrity is a sin.
- Beauty is not enough.
- Power for your control.
- The family car that wins races.
- It’s not a car, it’s an Alfa Romeo.
- Without heart we would be mere machines.
Meaning and history
The illustrious Italian automobile manufacturer was initially established under the name Alfa Milano. However, the “A” in Alfa did not stand for the first letter of the Greek alphabet; rather, it was an abbreviation for “Anonyma Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili.” The “Milano” part of the name was chosen to honour the city that the company was founded in. After Nicola Romeo purchased the firm in 1915, the second portion of the name was altered to Romeo to reflect his new ownership of the business.
Even though the brand’s name was changed at the very beginning of its existence, it has maintained its original logo, which was developed in 1910. This elaborate and colourful insignia is one of the most recognised vehicle emblems in today’s society.
1910 – 1915
Romano Cattaneo is credited with the creation of the first Alfa Romeo emblem, which combined the characteristics of two heraldic symbols into a single badge. The logo consisted of a circle with a strong outline that was vertically split into two sections: the left portion was white and had a red cross, while the right part was light blue with a green snake superimposed on top of it. Both halves were separated by a line.
The wordmark was performed in light silver, and vignettes in the same colour were used to separate two portions of the wordmark. The circular frame of the logo was a dark blue hue, and the text that was put around its perimeter was done in light silver.
1912
The logo has a red cross, which is a traditional emblem of Christianity and a nod to the Milanese soldiers who fought for their country. The portion of the insignia on the right is far more intriguing to look at.
It is neither a flame or a tongue that can be seen in the mouth of the Alfa Romeo Snake; rather, it is a human form. The emblem was taken from the ancient coat of arms that belonged to the Visconti family, and it has come to represent authority and sway ever since. The city of Milan, as well as the name Biscione, have both adopted the snake as a mascot throughout the years.
1915 – 1925
Following the rebranding that took place in 1915, a new logo was created for the company. The colours of the insignia were updated so that they were more sophisticated and elevated, and the wordmark was stretched out. Now the large “Alfa-Romeo” writing in white with a gold outline was inserted along the top part of the circular frame, and the word “Milano” was placed along the lower section of the frame. The outlines of the cross and the snake have been refined so that they are now more certain and up to date. The two hues of blue on the insignia darkened and got more strong, and the guy who was supposed to be within the snake’s jaws became more distinguishable.
1925 – 1933
During the redesign that took place in 1925, a second outline was added to the badge. At that time, the silver leaf-wreath was positioned around the broad blue frame that contained the wordmark. The colours were toned down and lightened, and a new font that was more refined and professional was used for the inscription. The typeface appeared confident and brilliant when it was rendered in white hue.
1933 – 1946
In 1933, the wreath is changed to a golden colour, and the cross and writing both grow larger. A bold colour contrast and enormous design features have contributed to the current state of the logo, which makes it striking and potent.
1946 – 1947
In 1946, the brand’s logo underwent some simplification; the wreath was replaced with a circle of silver with a thickness in the middle between thin and medium, and the vignettes on the frame were made less curvy and more delicate. The emblem now has a more streamlined and contemporary appearance as a result of the curves of each and every piece being modified.
1947 – 1948
In 1947, the recognisable emblem was redesigned using an entirely different colour scheme. The red and yellow combination was only used by the brand for a single year. During that time, all of the yellow details and components were positioned in a solid red circle that was surrounded by a thin gold frame. Other than the selection of colours used, the omission of the dash between “Alfa” and “Romeo” in this logo is the most important modification.
1948 – 1950
In 1948, the corporation reverted to its original idea and colour palette, although the wordmark was updated by inserting a gap between two of its components, which had previously been joined together. The green snake now has a strong black outline, and the guy that is coloured red is within the serpent’s jaws. The cross also has a border around it, which brings more harmony to the whole picture.
The text in white was done in a clean and precise sans-serif style, and it was surrounded by a frame that was electric blue.
1950 – 1971
In the year 1950, the shape of the man gets more geometric, while the snake becomes larger and more rounded. While the “Milano” portion of the wordmark is written in a delicate lightweight font, the “Alfa Romeo” portion of the wordmark has been expanded and now takes up the majority of the frame.
1971 – 1972
1971 was the year that saw the “Milano” inscription on the emblem being entirely deleted. The black outline of two of the circle’s segments and the primary parts were replaced with gold, and the emblem’s outline was made of gold as well, although it was made more subtle so as not to overpower the other aspects.
1972 – 2000
1972 sees yet another iteration of the Alfa Romeo emblem being perfected. The blue becomes deeper, and this new shade of yellow, which is used to execute the outline and the lettering, works well in contrast with the darker blue. In this version, the outlines of the cross and the viper, in addition to the shape of the red guy, are coloured yellow.
The wordmark is set in a geometric sans-serif that is both strong and simple, which contributes to an overall impression of progression, style, and professionalism.
2000 – 2015
In the year 2000, a number of gradient hues were used in the design of the logo in an effort to make it more lively and vibrant. The backdrop of the cross section has been updated to showcase light blue and white, and the writing that surrounds the blue frame now includes a range of hues from silver to gold. The emblem exudes an air of sophistication and modernity.
2015 – Today
When 2015 rolls around, every single gold component of the insignia is changed out for its silver counterpart. Another significant alteration was made to the inner circle of the insignia. Now, rather of being horizontally split into two portions, it has a uniform silver backdrop, and the red Ross and the green snake are arranged so that they touch each other.
Symbol
The usage of symbolic motifs that are linked with Italy in general and Milan in particular serves as the foundation of the symbolism found in the logo.
The flag of Milan has a red cross on a white backdrop, and this design may be seen on the flag. It takes us back to the middle ages, to the time of the first Crusades and the period of the knights. In the beginning, the juxtaposition of red and white was meant to represent Christ’s atoning sacrifice and the double character of his sacrifice. It has become an instantly identifiable icon of the city of Milan in recent years.
Emblem
The shape of the circle that makes up the brand’s emblem is very definitive. The name of the company, Alfa Romeo, is printed throughout the outlined perimeter of this circle in a colour that is emphasised. There was no inscription when it was first discovered; however, it did eventually surface, along with a broad outline that served as the foundation for the writing.
A laurel wreath, which is often associated with victorious endeavours, was at one point used to encircle the insignia. As a symbol of the company’s success in many auto races, laurel leaves have begun to appear on the insignia.
The inner portion of the symbol is split into two pieces, both of which conform to the standards of heraldry; in reality, these components occupy two different heraldic elements between them.
In spite of the fact that the logo is modified on a regular basis (the most recent modification to the design occurred in 2015), it is safe to say that the general look from a century ago has been maintained. The brand’s respect for Milan’s legacy and traditions has been simplified, with an emphasis on the correction of colours and simplicity of shapes.
Which mythical animal is shown on the badge of an Alfa Romeo automobile?
The legendary Alfa Romeo automobile brand is represented by a logo that portrays a green snake with a red man’s body in its teeth. The Visconti family was one of the most powerful families in Milan throughout the XXI century, and the sign was drawn from their historical family crest. The emblem was used to represent the Visconti family.
Font
The company decided to go with a gold typeface that is simple to read for the logo. Gold’s connotation as a symbol of prosperity draws attention to the niche audience that the brand is intended for: namely, individuals who are successful and have an income that is much higher than the norm. The typeface is easily recognisable due to its timeless form, crystal clear appearance, and adequate width.
Many variations of the typeface were used during the course of the 20th century. The modifications, on the other hand, were more of a cosmetic nature: the typeface was supposed to be simple to read, “confident,” and “trustworthy” when it was first designed.
Color
The colour palette of the Alfa Romeo logo is likewise eye-catching and draws attention to itself. The primary hue is a dark blue, and it makes up the majority of the surface area. The usage of a backdrop that is a very dark shade of blue in heraldry is uncommon, but when it is done so, it denotes the greatest level of nobility, royal lineage, and a particular favour from the Blessed Virgin. This color’s meaning is important. By the way, the Royal snake on the right side of the logo was not supposed to be green; rather, it was supposed to be a dark blue colour. Additionally, the swallowable infant was supposed to be a gold colour.
The most recent iteration of the logo has a green snake instead of a blue one, the colour gold is maintained in the design’s outlines and text, and the picture of the infant being sacrificed has been changed to a red colour. In addition to this, the colour palette of the logo may already be understood in a highly open-ended manner, with no relation to the heraldic iconography. Other aspects, such as the composition and colour balance between the two components of the logo, are given a greater degree of consideration in modern logo design.
