Original 1967 Air France USA Travel Poster by Georges Mathieu – Draeger Paris

Original 1976 Air France advertising poster by Georges Mathieu in his Lyrical Abstraction (Abstraction Lyrique) style. Instead of using literal landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Mathieu conveyed the energy of the US through energetic, calligraphic red, blue, and white brushstrokes set against a sleek metallic silver-grey background. The rigid, intersecting vertical and horizontal lines evoke the grid iron, steel architecture, and soaring skyscrapers of New York City and modern American industrialism.
Printer: Impression Draeger Frères, 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 62 cm)

Georges Mathieu was an important French painter and a pioneer of lyrical abstraction, the European counterpart to American Abstract Expressionism. His work is characterised by rapid, energetic marks and calligraphic gestures. Air France commissioned Mathieu in 1966 to create a series of destination posters representing countries symbolically rather than through conventional tourist landmarks.

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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