J'y vole donc j'y suis Air france Circa 1970

The circa 1970 “J’y vole donc j’y suis” poster by Raymond Savignac epitomizes the wit, charm, and visual brilliance that made the French graphic designer one of the 20th century’s most celebrated poster artists. Created for Air France, the work combines humor, elegance, and simplicity to captivate viewers and invite them into the world of travel.

The poster’s slogan, "J’y vole donc j’y suis" (a playful twist on Descartes’ famous philosophical statement, “I think, therefore I am”), loosely translates to “I fly there, therefore I am.” This clever wordplay encapsulates the ethos of travel as a transformative experience, suggesting that by flying with Air France, one’s presence and identity are enriched. The phrase reinforces the growing sense of adventure and self-expression that air travel represented in the 1970s.

Savignac’s illustration style, characterized by bold lines, flat colors, and whimsical characters, is on full display in this piece. The poster features a cheerful figure with outstretched arms—an embodiment of joy and freedom—soaring across a vibrant blue sky. The figure is rendered in Savignac’s signature playful aesthetic, radiating a sense of carefree delight. The bright, minimalist background allows the character to take center stage, ensuring the message is immediately clear and impactful.

Air France’s branding in the 1970s was synonymous with luxury, reliability, and sophistication. This poster taps into those ideals, using humor and approachable design to appeal to a broad audience. The simplicity of the artwork reflects a modernist sensibility, eschewing overly complex imagery for clarity and charm. At the same time, it reinforces Air France’s global reputation as an airline that combined elegance with cutting-edge service.

Savignac’s ability to distill complex ideas into simple, universally understood visuals is evident in the enduring appeal of this poster. By leveraging humor and a sense of whimsy, he transforms the act of flying into something joyful and essential, positioning Air France not merely as a carrier but as a gateway to life’s best experiences.

In the context of the 1970s, air travel was becoming increasingly accessible to the middle class, transforming how people thought about leisure and exploration. Posters like this one didn’t just advertise a service; they helped define the cultural aspiration of travel itself. Savignac’s work, with its lighthearted tone and universal appeal, was instrumental in crafting the image of air travel as both sophisticated and fun.

Today, the “J’y vole donc j’y suis” poster remains a celebrated piece of graphic design history. Collectors prize it for its association with Savignac, one of the last great practitioners of the traditional poster art form, as well as for its connection to Air France’s legacy as a leader in global aviation.

Whether admired for its humor, historical significance, or timeless design, this poster endures as a vibrant testament to an era when flying was still filled with wonder and optimism.

Original Poster

Airline - Aviation - Childhood

Poster avant la lettre

Printed by Pietrini Bastard Fouquerai in Paris

Very good condition