1967 Original Air France Travel Poster – Georges Mathieu Frankreich / France

An original Air France travel poster promoting France, designed by Georges Mathieu for the airline’s celebrated 1967 campaign. Golden abstract lines rise across a white background, layered over a pale blue ornamental sun motif and a vivid red jewel.
The Air France museum catalogue explains that the Louis XIV-style blue ornament represents tradition and order, while Mathieu’s golden calligraphy represents modernity and imagination, loosely suggesting France’s hexagonal outline. The red, heart-shaped stone represents its passionate, revolutionary spirit.
This German-language edition carries the heading “Frankreich” and was printed in Paris by Draeger Frères. From an old travel agency collection, where it was stored flat from new.
Printer: Impression Draeger, 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 associated with lyrical abstraction, an expressive style using spontaneous lines and sweeping gestures. He became known for painting rapidly, sometimes before an audience. His Air France posters brought that distinctive approach into advertising. In this design, his energetic golden marks combine with historical ornament to present France as both traditional and inventive. He also designed the French ten-franc coin and the Antenne 2 television logo.

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.

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