The 1956 original travel poster by Ray Delvert, commissioned by the Ministère des Travaux Publics, des Transports et du Tourisme and published by the Direction Générale du Tourisme, highlights one of France’s most ambitious hydroelectric projects: the Barrage de Donzère-Mondragon on the Rhône River, located in the Drôme region.
This striking mid-century travel poster promotes France’s post-war modernization efforts, particularly the nation’s commitment to hydroelectric power, engineering advancements, and energy independence. The Donzère-Mondragon dam, inaugurated in the early 1950s, was a crucial part of the Rhône’s industrial development, providing renewable energy and improved navigation along one of France’s most important waterways.
Ray Delvert’s artistic approach, characterized by bold colors, structured composition, and an emphasis on scale and perspective, perfectly captures the grandeur of this engineering marvel. The Rhône, depicted as a powerful yet controlled force of nature, reinforces the theme of progress, technology, and France’s post-war resurgence.
As a travel and tourism poster, this piece not only highlights a feat of engineering but also promotes the Rhône Valley as a region of industrial innovation and scenic beauty. Posters like this were widely distributed to encourage national pride and attract visitors interested in France’s evolving landscape of technology, energy, and modern infrastructure.
Highly collectible today, this 1956 original travel poster appeals to enthusiasts of industrial history, French travel posters, and mid-century graphic design. It stands as a testament to France’s commitment to modernization and its ability to blend functionality with visual elegance in promotional artwork.
Tourism
Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Tourism
E. Desfosses - Neogravure Paris
Good condition
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