The circa 1950 original poster by Lucien Boucher, Air France Réseau Aérien Mondial, is a notable example of mid-20th-century commercial art designed to promote the global air routes of Air France. Lucien Boucher, a renowned French illustrator and poster artist, became closely associated with Air France due to his series of beautifully crafted world map posters, often referred to as "planispheres." These maps were produced between the 1930s and 1960s, highlighting the growing reach of Air France as international air travel expanded after World War II.
Boucher's work is known for its combination of cartographic precision and artistic creativity. His Air France posters were not just functional tools for navigation but were also designed to evoke a sense of adventure and the allure of global travel. They capture the optimism of an era when air travel was becoming more accessible and increasingly viewed as the future of international transportation.
In this particular poster, Boucher uses artistic elements like vibrant colors, symbolic depictions of different regions, and various modes of transportation to showcase Air France’s extensive global routes. The poster's style reflects the influence of both Art Deco and traditional mapmaking, blending modernity with classical touches. The planes are seen flying across the map, connecting continents, while small details like ships, animals, and historical figures embellish the poster, each representing the diverse cultures and histories of the regions Air France serviced.
These posters were often printed by French lithography studio Perceval, known for its high-quality production, further enhancing the visual appeal of Boucher’s work. The Réseau Aérien Mondial map posters are not just travel advertisements but also collectible pieces of art, highly valued by collectors of vintage aviation posters, mid-century design, and commercial art.
Lucien Boucher’s collaboration with Air France became iconic in the annals of advertising and travel art, marking him as a pivotal figure in shaping the visual identity of air travel in the mid-20th century. His Réseau Aérien Mondial posters remain symbols of the golden age of flight, inviting viewers to explore the world and take part in the global adventures offered by air travel.
Airline - Planisphere - Map
Brown
Perceval Paris
Good condition, small tears, light traces of scotch on the edges
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