This elegant original travel poster from circa 1930, photographed and designed by Boissonnas, presents the majestic skyline of Fribourg, Switzerland, in a moody and timeless black-and-white composition. Issued by the Société pour le Développement de Fribourg, the image is a masterclass in early 20th-century photographic tourism promotion.
Dominating the scene is the towering Gothic cathedral of Saint Nicholas, its vertical lines soaring above the clustered rooftops of the medieval town. Rendered in rich sepia tones with dramatic lighting and soft contrast, the image highlights both the architectural grandeur and the serene natural beauty of this Swiss city nestled between French- and German-speaking regions.
Printed by Procédé Offset Atar, Genève, this poster is a rare example of early photographic poster design, at a time when most travel advertising still relied heavily on illustration. Boissonnas, a pioneering Swiss photographer with a keen eye for cultural and geographic nuance, captures not only the imposing stature of the cathedral but also a moment of quiet dignity that reflects the era’s refined taste in travel and landscape photography.
Today, this piece stands as a beautiful testament to the interwar period of Swiss tourism, offering both historical significance and visual sophistication. A must-have for collectors of vintage Swiss travel posters, early 20th-century photography, or the works of Boissonnas.
Tourism - Religion - Switzerland
Printed by Atar in Geneva
Good condition, one tear, light soiling
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