10ème Salon de l'Aviation 1926

This vibrant and rare 1926 poster project, created in gouache and watercolor by renowned illustrator Georges Villa, was conceived as a proposed design for the 10th Salon de l’Aviation held at the Grand Palais in Paris, from December 3rd to 19th.

Far more than a sketch, this fully realized composition captures the bold spirit of the time. At its center is a striking graphic motif—a circular target rendered in red, white, and black, radiating energy like a bullseye aimed at the skies. A deep blue aircraft soars through the composition, symbolizing the thrilling promise of aviation as it entered the mainstream of public imagination in the interwar years.

Angular typography and dramatic color blocking—hallmarks of the Art Deco movement—reinforce the sensation of momentum and modernity. Unlike mass-printed posters, this artwork is an original hand-painted piece, giving us direct insight into the creative process behind early 20th-century visual communication.

As aviation emerged as a new frontier of human achievement, events like the Salon de l’Aviation showcased not only technological breakthroughs but also the visual culture that supported and celebrated them. This project stands as both a historic document and a masterpiece of graphic design, reflecting the aspirations of an era where flight was still thrillingly new.

Gouache et aquarelle

Exposition - Aviation

Grand Palais Paris

Bon état, trous d'épingle