Xèmes Jeux Olympiques d'Hiver Grenoble 1968

The 1968 original exhibition poster for the Xèmes Jeux Olympiques d'Hiver (10th Winter Olympic Games) in Grenoble stands as a significant work in the history of Olympic design. Created by renowned graphic designer J.C. Dewolf, this poster became a symbol of the games and is celebrated for its modernist aesthetic and bold visual language.

The 1968 Winter Olympics, held in Grenoble, France, marked an important chapter in the history of the Winter Games. As the first Winter Olympics to be hosted in France since 1924, the event attracted global attention and was set against the stunning backdrop of the French Alps. The official poster, designed by Dewolf, played a crucial role in conveying the spirit of the games, representing both the modernity of the event and the traditional Alpine setting.

J.C. Dewolf’s design for the poster captures the energy and movement inherent in the Winter Olympics. His use of geometric shapes and a limited color palette reflects the excitement and international nature of the Games. The poster symbolizes the Olympic flame while evoking the athleticism of winter sports like skiing, ice hockey, and speed skating, tying in the dynamic nature of the Games with the alpine setting in which they were held.

The design embraces minimalist principles that were prominent in graphic design during the 1960s. The use of clean lines and simple forms communicates the modernity of the event while drawing inspiration from the Olympic tradition. The clarity and precision of Dewolf’s design align with the technological and cultural progress that defined the Grenoble Games, which included the first-ever live television broadcasts of the Winter Olympics, helping to bring the event to a global audience.

The 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble was notable for several innovations, including its modern approach to media and its efforts to host an environmentally conscious event in the mountainous region. In this context, Dewolf's poster serves as a representation of the forward-thinking nature of the Games while celebrating both the technological advancements and the longstanding tradition of the Olympic movement.

The Xèmes Jeux Olympiques d'Hiver Grenoble poster, much like the event it represents, stands as a milestone in Olympic history. As a piece of graphic design, it embodies the artistic trends of the late 1960s while its clear, minimalist approach ensures its lasting relevance. Today, it is regarded as an iconic representation of the Grenoble Winter Games, reflecting the excitement of the event and the dynamic spirit of the Olympic movement.

Collectors and design enthusiasts continue to admire the 1968 Winter Olympics poster for its ability to communicate the essence of the Games in a simple yet powerful way. Through Dewolf’s innovative approach to graphic design, the poster transcends its original purpose as a promotional tool, becoming a lasting symbol of Olympic history.

Railway - Ski - Rhône-Alpes - France

Let's take the train! Olympic Games

Edited by S.J.

Good condition, traces of folds