Air France Réseau aérien mondial Circa 1950

The circa 1950 Air France "Réseau Aérien Mondial" poster, designed by French illustrator Lucien Boucher, is a vivid representation of the airline’s global network at a pivotal time in aviation history. Known for his intricate, map-inspired posters, Boucher worked with Air France for several decades, creating a series of "Planisphère" (world map) posters that showcased the airline's expanding routes and international reach. This particular poster, printed in the early 1950s, celebrates Air France's network connecting Europe to destinations across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the South Pacific.

Boucher's maps were not only geographically informative but also visually enchanting. Each destination is marked by illustrations of local icons, wildlife, and cultural elements, which were meant to evoke the allure of exotic and faraway lands. In this map, viewers can find images of Parisian landmarks, African wildlife, Asian pagodas, and South American rainforests, all contributing to a sense of global adventure. The routes are elegantly traced, inviting viewers to imagine journeys across oceans and continents, underscoring Air France’s commitment to connecting people worldwide.

Boucher's design captures the excitement of the post-war aviation boom, a time when air travel was becoming more accessible and popular. His work reflects the era's romantic view of flight, when airplanes were seen as symbols of modernity and freedom, carrying travelers to distant lands previously reachable only by lengthy sea voyages. Boucher’s posters thus served as both advertisements and as cultural artifacts, encapsulating the spirit of the golden age of travel.

This poster by Boucher has since become a highly collectible piece, admired for its intricate artistry and historical significance. It represents not just the global ambitions of Air France, but also a period when travel posters were central to advertising, sparking imaginations and enticing people to explore new horizons. Lucien Boucher's work remains an iconic part of mid-20th-century design, celebrated for its detailed illustrations and its role in shaping the visual identity of Air France.

Original poster

Airline - Card - Planisphere

Red and purple

Good condition, light traces of folds