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A lively and crisp account of the development of the intriguing Alfa logo is given by Matteo Licata at the following link:
But to save you time, here’s a short summary, :
The Milan-based ALFA initials stood for: Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili. (“Anonymous Automobile Factory of Lombardy”). The name “Milano” was proudly written on the badge itself, and the city’s heraldic symbols also proudly featured: A red cross on a white background and a snake consuming a person.
Both symbols’ roots trace back to the Middle Ages. They originate from various legends around the origins of the Visconti dynasty, which ruled over Milan between 1277 and 1395 and had the so-called “biscione” (snake) on its coat of arms.
The original Alfa badge also included two figure-eight knots. These, known as the “Savoy knot,” were a heraldic symbol of Italy’s royal dynasty. They would remain on the badge until the end of WWII.
In 1918 the name of the Neapolitan industrialist Nicola Romeo was added. He had taken control of the company three years previously. The most notable addition to Alfa’s badge was a laurel crown, added in 1925 to celebrate the company’s conquest of the very first World Manufacturers’ Championship.
The current Alfa Romeo badge is less colorful than its predecessors. It has less definition between the elements and has lost the warmth of the gold.
The version in my painting is based largely on the 1925 logo, but is slightly simplified. You can see more of my automotive art on my dedicated car art page.
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