An original SAS travel poster promoting the USA, featuring Otto Nielsen’s expressive interpretation of New York’s skyscrapers. Tall white buildings rise against a deep blue background, surrounded by colourful strokes suggesting city lights and reflections. A small white aircraft crosses the sky, while gold-coloured lettering and the Scandinavian Airlines System emblem complete the design. Printed in Denmark by J. Chr. Sørensen & Co., this example comes from an old travel agency collection, where it was stored flat from new.
Printed in Denmark by J. Chr. Sørensen & Co. A/S
Provenance: 981235
Artist: Otto Nielsen, with his small “ON” monogram in the artwork
Dimensions: 39 in x 25 in (100 cm x 62 cm)
Condition: top edge marks, see photos.
Otto Nielsen (1916–2000) was a Danish artist and illustrator closely associated with SAS. He created around 40 posters for the airline, as well as annual calendars between 1953 and 1976, travelling widely to gather ideas. His work ranged from recognisable animals and landscapes to much more abstract compositions. This New York poster shows that freer side of his style, using broad strokes and bright colour to capture the height and energy of the city.
The tiny white “ON” monogram visible at the lower left of the illustrated area is consistent with Nielsen’s signature.
Uses SAS’s original 1950s three-shield crown logo (representing Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) and features the silhouette of a 1950s long-range four-engine airliner (DC-6/DC-7 era) flying above.
SAS was formed in 1946 through cooperation between the Danish, Norwegian and Swedish national airlines. Its posters became an important expression of postwar Scandinavian graphic design—usually restrained typography combined with unusually painterly destination imagery.
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.
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