Louis Ogliastro & Cie Circa 1930

The circa 1930 original poster for Louis Ogliastro & Cie is a striking representation of colonial-era commerce in Southeast Asia, particularly in regions such as Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), Haiphong, and Hanoi. This promotional piece was likely used to advertise the company’s operations, which were centered around trade and goods distribution within French Indochina.

The artwork prominently features an elephant carrying a dignitary under a parasol, flanked by attendants—a symbolic nod to traditional Asian culture and the exotic allure often employed in advertising of the colonial period. The visual composition, framed by decorative borders and text, evokes a sense of grandeur and authority, aligning with the company’s regional prominence.

Posters of this era often employed culturally resonant imagery to establish trust and appeal to both local and expatriate audiences. The use of an elephant—a revered and utilitarian animal in Southeast Asia—suggests strength, reliability, and respect for regional traditions, while simultaneously catering to the Western fascination with the "exotic East."

This piece is not merely a marketing tool but also a cultural artifact, encapsulating the dynamics of colonial trade, cross-cultural interaction, and the stylistic tendencies of early 20th-century commercial art. Today, it serves as a visual testament to the complexities of colonial history and the role of design in shaping perceptions of global commerce.

Original Poster

Advertising - Colony - Vietnam

Hanoi - Saigon - Haiphong - Colonial import company

Good condition