Original Air France Planisphere Poster, by Lucien Boucher - 1950

Created in 1950 by Lucien Boucher, the undisputed master of modern decorative cartography, this advertising poster for Air France presents a stylized planisphere at the crossroads of tradition and modernity. Printed in lithography by Perceval, it is part of the renowned series of imaginary maps designed for the airline—true icons of postwar aviation design.

The composition is built around two illustrated hemispheres, where air routes and airplanes intertwine with caravels, compasses, exotic figures, and floral allegories. The universe is rich and ornate, drawing inspiration from decorative arts and antique cartography, while the deep tones, crimson, blue, gold, lend the whole an almost heraldic elegance. At the top, the “Air France” banner frames a stylized compass rose, a symbol of a world newly opened to flight.

This linen-backed poster, measuring 27.8 x 40.7 inches, and in B+ condition, retains a striking graphic presence despite a few signs of age. It remains one of the visual jewels of Air France’s heritage, and a must-have for collectors of aviation, artistic cartography, and legendary travel ephemera.