PORTUGAL AND SPAIN CARLU PAN AM POSTER

This 1954 poster advertising Pan American Airways flights to Portugal and Spain is breathtaking in its use of contrasts and color. With the poster split between the Portugal side on the left and the Spain side on the right, the bullfighter stands alone in the middle in a dark space which is partly black (on the Portugal side), and partly brown (on the Spain side). He's standing in the middle because he represents a unique cultural tradition shared by both countries. Elegantly dressed in his bright yellow  costume with a pink cape thrown over his left arm, his presence adds splashes of bright colors to the dark background.

Light comes in through the arched windows, and through these openings the viewer can see what's outside, and it's wondrous! On the Portugal side is a view of the Belem Tower, one of Portugal's most famous landmarks, as well as other scenes from Portugal. On the right side, the Spain side, one can see part of the Alhambra, Spain's most famous tourist attraction, and through the smaller windows one can see other scenes from Spain.

Jean Carlu ( 1900–1997) was a French graphic designer and commercial artist who rose to prominence as a poster designer before WWII. During the war he spent time in the US where he designed posters for the US government promoting expansion of American production. After the war, he returned to France and continued as a well-known poster designer, with many international companies as his clients.

Pan American Airways, with its trademarked Clipper Line of aircraft, was a leader in worldwide commercial aviation until 1991.

This lovely vintage airline poster takes you back to earlier days of trans-Atlantic travel.  It's a wonderful addition to a vintage travel poster collection and would add a distinctive and bold splash of color to any room.

Condition: A