Air France "Nova et Vetera" 1939

In 1939, Lucien Boucher, a renowned French artist and illustrator, created a captivating map for Air France titled "Nova et Vetera", which translates to "New and Old" in Latin. This original lithographic poster is a remarkable fusion of vintage cartographic art and modern aviation, crafted as a promotional piece for the airline. It beautifully symbolizes the connection between the historic routes of exploration and the new ones made possible by air travel.

Boucher was celebrated for his unique ability to combine the romanticism of classic maps with the sleek, modern spirit of 20th-century flight. Among his series of illustrated maps for Air France, "Nova et Vetera" stands out with its nostalgic allure and references to history.

The map exudes the charm of the age of exploration, echoing the style of 16th- and 17th-century cartographers. Rendered in rich, earthy tones, it depicts brown continents framed by pale blue oceans, evoking the feel of antique navigational charts. Boucher’s work is filled with the adventurous spirit of early explorers, adorned with decorative elements like sea monsters, tall ships, and elaborate compass roses, creating a sense of wonder. At the same time, modern elements of aviation are cleverly integrated. An Air France plane crosses the Atlantic, tracing the paths once traveled by seafaring explorers, with air routes indicated across the globe, suggesting the airline's expanding reach.

The poster was created during a time of rapid growth in aviation, just before the world was plunged into the turmoil of World War II. It reflects the transformative power of air travel and the way it connected continents and cultures. The title "Nova et Vetera" perfectly captures this sentiment—merging old sea routes with the new, modern air routes. For Air France, posters like this not only promoted their services but also projected an image of prestige, adventure, and global exploration.

Lucien Boucher, known for his detailed and imaginative designs, produced many iconic posters for Air France during the 1930s and 1940s. His work often evoked nostalgia while embracing the excitement of modern advancements. In "Nova et Vetera", he draws the viewer into a world where the romance of past explorations is woven together with the promise of air travel’s future. The poster is a striking example of how Boucher could blend aesthetic beauty with commercial purpose, creating a timeless piece of art.

At the time, aviation was a symbol of progress and boundless possibilities. Boucher’s work for Air France, particularly this poster, helped to shape the airline’s visual identity during the golden age of travel. His maps were often whimsical and fantastical, yet rooted in precise detail, inspiring dreams of far-off lands and new adventures.

Today, "Nova et Vetera" is highly prized by collectors of vintage travel posters and fans of cartographic art. Its intricate design and historical significance make it a treasured artifact, offering more than just a glimpse into Air France’s past. The poster is a celebration of both ancient voyages and new horizons—an inspiring representation of the optimism and spirit of exploration that defined the 1930s.

Lucien Boucher’s "Nova et Vetera" is more than a piece of advertising; it is a work of art that captures a unique moment when the world was becoming more connected through air travel. Its enduring appeal lies in the way it transports viewers through both time and space, celebrating the adventurous human spirit.

Map - Airline - Planisphere

On the old lands of new paths - with gold highlight

Printed by Perceval in Paris

Good condition, slight dirt