1956 Original Air France Giraffe Poster – Raymond Savignac, German Edition

Original 1956 German-language Air France advertising poster by Raymond Savignac, art direction by Jean Carlu, colour lithograph printed by Imp. Gaillard, Paris. Designed for Air France’s campaign promoting its global reach. The clever visual pun features a giraffe—symbolizing length—built from the national flags of destination countries (including the US, UK, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey) gazing up at a Lockheed Super Constellation airliner.

Official German-language market release ("Das Längste Flugnetz Der Welt" / The Longest Air Network in the World), issued across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

Artist: Raymond Savignac

Provenance: AFFICHE N°9 / SERIE AF20.051 / P 6.56. DIRECTION ARTISTIQUE JEAN CARLU.
Dimensions: 39 in x 25 in (100 cm x 62 cm)

Condition: Some edge tears, see photos for detail.

French graphic designer Raymond Savignac was famous for using clever visual humor and bold, simple shapes to create iconic mid-century advertisements. Created in June 1956 for Air France, this poster uses a playful visual pun to illustrate the airline's global reach, featuring a tall giraffe whose neck is composed of colorful national flags looking up at an airliner. The headline on this German-market edition reads Das Längste Flugnetz Der Welt ("The Longest Air Network in the World"), turning a straightforward commercial promotion into an instantly memorable piece of graphic art

Air France is the flag carrier of France headquartered in Tremblay-en-France. Air France was formed on 7 October 1933 from a merger of Air Orient, Air Union, Compagnie Générale Aéropostale, Compagnie Internationale de Navigation Aérienne (CIDNA), and Société Générale de Transport Aérien (SGTA).

Because of the age of these posters, there are areas of wear and tear, particularly on the edges. I have done my best to take photos where they are torn or stained. The good news is that when framed, the tears press up well against glass, and edges can be hidden by mats. Any wear picked up from years are part of the vintage charm.

When framed these colourful and detailed posters, with vibrant colours can become a centre piece for any room, to remind us of a simpler time.

These posters are sent as unframed. They will be delivered in a cardboard tube for protection.

See the FAQ for more information on shipping, tracking and insurance options.