This elegant circa 1930 original poster by Alo, created for “Rodez – Centre régional de tourisme,” is a fine example of interwar French travel promotion, combining regional pride with the refined graphic language of the period. The composition is dominated by the towering Gothic silhouette of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Rodez, rising majestically above the clustered rooftops of the town. Bathed in warm shades of red and ochre against a luminous sky, the cathedral becomes both a visual anchor and a symbol of historical continuity, spirituality, and architectural grandeur.
The artist’s approach is at once monumental and modern. Strong vertical lines emphasize height and permanence, while simplified planes of color and controlled contrasts reflect the influence of Art Deco and modern poster design. The juxtaposition of the massive cathedral with the intimate scale of the surrounding houses creates a sense of place: Rodez is presented as both grand and welcoming, deeply rooted in history yet inviting to contemporary travelers. Like many French tourism posters of the era, the image does not merely advertise a destination; it constructs an idealized vision of regional heritage, culture, and authenticity.
The poster is signed ALO, the professional pseudonym of Charles-Jean Hallo (1882–1969), a significant but often understated figure in French graphic art. Trained at the Beaux-Arts in Dijon and Paris, Hallo was a versatile artist—painter, engraver, illustrator, and photographer. After serving as an aerial observer and photographer during the First World War, he settled in Senlis, where he became deeply involved in cultural life, founding the Musée de la Vénerie and working to preserve regional heritage.
Hallo is best remembered today for his extensive production of travel posters during the 1920s and 1930s, created for major French railway companies and tourism offices. Under the name ALO, he designed images promoting towns, coastlines, mountains, and historic monuments across France. His posters are celebrated for their atmospheric light, strong architectural presence, and elegant balance between realism and stylization. They embody the optimism of the interwar tourism boom and the desire to present France as a mosaic of distinctive regional identities.
This Rodez poster perfectly illustrates ALO’s talent: a harmonious blend of graphic clarity and poetic evocation. Today, it stands not only as a beautiful decorative work, but also as a valuable historical document—testimony to both the golden age of French travel posters and to Charles-Jean Hallo’s important role in shaping their visual language.
Original Poster
Tourism - Aveyron - France
Printed by Lucien Serre in Paris
Good condition, minor tears
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