Air France
Paris: Imprimerie Perceval, 1951
Size (neatline): 58.4 x 35.1 cm / 23.0 x 13.8 in
Size (sheet): 81.4 x 59.0 cm / 32.0 x 23.2 in
Technique: Lithography
Colour: Printed colour
Verso: Blank
Condition: Very good
Striking iconic celestial Air France promotional chart
Description
This sublime double hemisphere celestial chart was created by Lucien Boucher and published by Imprimerie Perceval in 1951 in Paris. It is the finest out of a series of promotional posters the artist created for French airline Air France.
The chart presents an impressive visual of the night sky, rendered in two hemispheres that depict the stars and constellations of both the northern and southern skies. The constellations appear in blue-green tones, with the belt of constellations representing the zodiac illustrated in dark orange. Aries and Taurus are notably absent, obscured by the Earth, which is centred on Africa and marked with key Air France routes. These radiate from Paris across the globe and emphasise – together with two decorative aircraft – the airline’s international reach.
The constellations are laid over a deep blue sky, with additional star clusters appearing faintly in the background, reinforcing the sense of depth and scale. The Milky Way is clearly distinguishable, rendered in subtle white. This arrangement merges precise astronomical representation with decorative elegance.
The chart is framed by traditional cartographic elements. Windheads in each corner symbolise the four directional winds, and a compass rose adorned with the Air France logo at the time – a winged seahorse – anchors the top of the image. A fluttering banner bearing the title completes the composition.
Balanced between artistic expression and geographic detail, this chart serves as both a visual celebration of the skies and a representation of global travel.
This is the smaller format of the two editions of this chart that we are aware of. We do have the larger format available for purchase as well.
A beautiful example of this decorative and highly sought-after chart of the heavens.
Condition
Very good.
A bright print. Light, even toning. A faint smudge contained to bottom right margin. Slight abrasion contained to lower right margin. One pinhole in each corner of the sheet. Backed with heavy linen.
Item #: 02937
US $1,400.00