Original Air France travel poster promoting Spain, featuring Georges Mathieu’s striking 1967 design. Delicate gold-coloured lines sit over a sweeping black brushstroke against a charcoal-grey background, with gold lettering above and below.
Mathieu’s own explanation emphasised silence, meditation, spirituality and Spain’s dramatic landscape.
Headed “Spanien”, this example was printed in France by Courbet. It comes from an old travel agency collection, where it was stored flat from new.
Printer: Impression Courbet, Paris
Publisher: Édité par Air France
Artist: Georges Mathieu
Signed in the poster print as Mathieu
Dimensions: 39 in x 25 in (100 cm x 60 cm)
Georges Mathieu (1921–2012) was a French painter known for lively abstract pictures made with sweeping strokes and intricate, writing-like marks. He helped establish lyrical abstraction, which placed movement and expression at the centre of painting. His Air France posters brought that approach into travel advertising. This Spain design is particularly restrained: its dark background and fine golden lines create a dramatic, almost ceremonial appearance.
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.
