A triumph of postwar modernism, this 1959 original poster by Jean Carlu was created for Air France as part of its legendary mid-century campaign to promote international travel with style, elegance, and national pride.
Rendered in bold, abstract strokes and geometric forms, the design offers a stylized, almost Cubist vision of France — rooftops, a church spire, and a cypress-like tree emerge from a patchwork of color blocks and dynamic scribbles. With minimal detail and maximal impact, Carlu distills the charm of rural French architecture into a purely modernist vocabulary.
Jean Carlu (1900–1997), a master of early graphic design and a pioneer of modern commercial art in France, was known for his clean lines, symbolic abstraction, and deep understanding of visual communication. His work bridged Art Deco and functional modernism, with clients ranging from public institutions to global brands like Air France.
This poster is more than a travel advertisement — it’s an invitation to see France through the lens of mid-century innovation, where tradition meets abstraction. The minimalist typography and iconic layout capture the spirit of Air France's golden age, when flying wasn’t just transportation, but a glamorous cultural experience.
A collector's gem and a quintessential example of French modernist poster design.
Airline - Tourism - France
Printed by Mourlot Brothers in Paris
Good condition
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