Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller.

Jacques Auriac
Circa 1960 poster by Auriac : Air Afrique Unit L'Afrique par JET DC8

Circa 1960

$2,977.66
£2,214.16
€3,120VAT Included
CA$4,203.46
A$4,300.75
CHF 2,439.52
MX$55,126.57
NOK 27,976.30
SEK 29,160.31
DKK 19,823.92

About the Item

This striking circa 1960 poster by Auriac was created to promote Air Afrique, the multinational airline founded in 1961 by a consortium of newly independent African states, with strong French technical support. The slogan “Unit l’Afrique” (“Unites Africa”) and the reference to the DC-8 jet place this work squarely in the optimistic dawn of the jet age and the era of African decolonization. The composition is boldly modern. Against a deep black background, the African continent is rendered as a vibrant abstract mosaic of thick, expressive color blocks—yellows, reds, blues, greens, and violets—suggesting both geographic unity and cultural diversity. Above it, a sleek DC-8 crosses the sky like a symbol of technological progress, connection, and speed. The aircraft is small but precise, contrasting with the painterly, almost emotional energy of the continent below. Rather than illustrating specific destinations, Auriac chose a conceptual approach: Africa becomes an emblem, not a map. The dripping, gestural paint evokes vitality, transformation, and creative force. This modernist aesthetic reflects the visual language of the late 1950s and early 1960s, when airlines increasingly embraced abstraction to convey innovation and internationalism. Air Afrique was conceived as a powerful symbol of post-colonial cooperation, linking West and Central African nations through a shared airline. The introduction of the Douglas DC-8 jet marked a dramatic leap in speed and international reach, allowing direct long-haul flights between Africa and Europe. Posters like this one were designed not only to sell airline tickets, but to project a new political and cultural identity: modern, united, and globally connected. With its expressive abstraction and strong ideological message, this poster stands as a vivid example of early post-independence African aviation promotion and of the way graphic design was used to visualize continental unity and technological progress. Original Poster Airline - Tourism - Africa Printed by De la Vasselais in Paris
  • Creator:
  • Creation Year:
    Circa 1960
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 38.98 in (99 cm)Width: 24.41 in (62 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Good condition, on linen.
  • Gallery Location:
    PARIS, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1792217454952

More From This Seller

View All
1983 Original Poster by Piem Air Afrique Airtour Afrique

1983 Original Poster by Piem Air Afrique Airtour Afrique

Located in PARIS, FR

This original 1983 travel poster printed in lithograph was designed by the French cartoonist Piem for Air Afrique and Airtour Afrique. It promotes tourism across West and Central Afr...

Category

1980s More Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph, Linen

Jean Even's 1958 original travel poster for Air France - Africa

Jean Even's 1958 original travel poster for Air France - Africa

By Jean Even

Located in PARIS, FR

Jean Even's original travel poster for Air France from 1958, invites viewers on a visual journey to the enchanting landscapes of Africa. With its vibrant colors and dynamic compositi...

Category

1950s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

You May Also Like

1965 Air France, South America Original Vintage Poster

1965 Air France, South America Original Vintage Poster

By Jacques Nathan-Garamond

Located in Winchester, GB

With fabulous artwork from French artist Nathan (Jacques Nathan-Garamond) who worked on several Air France posters of the era, this poster promoting the airlines routes to South Amer...

Category

Vintage 1960s French Posters

Materials

Paper

Air France Afrique Du Nord 1950 Travel Airline Advertising Poster, Jean Even

Air France Afrique Du Nord 1950 Travel Airline Advertising Poster, Jean Even

By Jean Even

Located in Bath, Somerset

Original 1950 Air France travel poster designed by Jean Even. This original vintage poster has been professionally linen-backed is sized 12 1/4 x 19 3/4 inches (plus a little more...

Category

20th Century French Decorative Art

Materials

Linen, Paper

1956 Air France, Europe Original Vintage Poster

1956 Air France, Europe Original Vintage Poster

By Hervé Morvan

Located in Winchester, GB

With fabulous artwork from French painter Herve Morvan, this poster promoting Air France routes to Europe was created in 1956. Air France was created in 1933 after a merger of multip...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Posters

Materials

Linen, Paper

Original Vintage Travel Poster Air France French West Africa Equatorial Timbuktu

Original Vintage Travel Poster Air France French West Africa Equatorial Timbuktu

By Edmond Maurus

Located in London, GB

Original vintage travel poster for French West Africa and French Equatorial Africa issued by Air France featuring a stunning design by Edmond Maurus (b. 1903) depicting a propeller C...

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Posters

Materials

Paper

1956 Air France - France Original Vintage Poster

1956 Air France - France Original Vintage Poster

By Jean Picart Le Doux

Located in Winchester, GB

With fabulous artwork from French painter Jean Picart Le Doux, this poster promoting Air France routes to its native France was created in 1956. Air France was created in 1933 after ...

Category

Vintage 1950s French Posters

Materials

Linen, Paper