Designed by Paul Colin, this original 1940 poster printed in lithography by S.A. Courbet in Paris advertised the Second Salon de la France d’Outre-Mer. Organised by the Ministry of the Colonies, the exhibition was announced for 2–26 May 1940 at the Grand Palais in Paris and presented artistic visions of France’s overseas territories.
The poster appeared at an extraordinary moment in French history. The exhibition opened only eight days before the German offensive of 10 May 1940, placing this optimistic celebration of maritime trade, aviation and imperial connections against the rapidly changing reality of the Second World War.
Colin constructs the composition around a monumental ribbon in the colours of the French flag. Rising like the prow or sail of a ship, it connects colonial goods in the foreground with steamships crossing the sea and aeroplanes flying overhead. Deep blue, white and vivid red dominate the design, while the simplified forms and strong typography give the image remarkable visual force.
Paul Colin (1892–1985) was one of the most influential French poster designers of the twentieth century. He rose to prominence in Paris during the 1920s, notably through his celebrated designs for Josephine Baker and the Revue Nègre. Combining Art Deco elegance with Cubist geometry and an exceptional understanding of typography, Colin created posters for theatre, entertainment, exhibitions, travel and public campaigns throughout his long career.
Beyond its striking graphic qualities, the poster is an important document of France’s official colonial culture and the imagery used to promote the empire during the period. It will appeal to collectors of Paul Colin, French Art Deco, maritime and aviation posters, exhibition graphics and historically significant political ephemera.
Original Poster
Colony - Exhibition - Maritime
Grand Palais
S. A. Courbet Paris
Very good state
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