VISITEZ LE PORTUGAL POSTER

“Visitez le Portugal” proclaim the French words in this beautiful vintage travel poster designed to entice French nationals to travel to Portugal. Commissioned by the Portuguese railway system (Chemins de Fer Portugais), this beautiful lithograph shows a traditional Portuguese wooden cargo boat (barcos rabelo) used for centuries to transport casks of port wine on the Douro River from the Douro Valley, where it is produced, to the city of Porto, where it is exported.

The boat casts a reflection as it moves through the still water, and the enormous sail, with its patches and shadows, seems to absorb and reflect the light. The beauty and tranquility of the scene are designed to pique the interest of French tourists seeking a unique travel experience.   

A version of the Portuguese coat of arms, which appears in the country's flag, is shown in the lower left corner.

The name of the artist who designed the poster, Jean De Luz, is written in the plate on the lower right side of the poster.

If you have traveled to the Douro Valley and witnessed its beauty firsthand or if you collect vintage travel posters that just make you feel good (as this one does), consider adding this lovely poster to your collection.

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