TWA (Trans World Airlines) was formed in 1924 as Transcontinental & Western Air. The airline's first route was New York to Los Angeles, soon followed by multiple National routes. The airline expanded to serve Europe, the Middle East and Asia after WWII when the company was under the control of Howard Hughes, owner from 1939 until 1961. Hughes was a dominant force in expanding and promoting the routes flown by his company. The economy was vastly improving, and travels through air for business and pleasure increased too. Posters were a key element to promoting this form of travel and TWA. The airline started a decline in the 1970s that ended up in a third bankruptcy that caused their acquisition by American Airlines in 2001. The airline operated in 132 destinations worldwide and had a fleet size of 190. This Rome poster was created by the gifted American artist David Klein (1918 -2005), and depicts a member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard in the center wearing the iconic yellow, blue and red uniform. The Guard is playing a drum that has the pontifical emblem. In the background we see a representation of the ancient Roman Coliseum and the Baroque Saint Peter's Basilica and colonnade, two of the most emblematic buildings of Rome and two of the most prolific art styles in Rome. Klein has used a wide range colors for this poster, warms colors for the Coliseum and cold colors for the Basilica that combine perfectly with the bright yellows of the Swiss Guard. Klein was best known for his influential work in advertising. Although he produced illustrations for Broadway theatrical productions, Hollywood films, the United States Army, and numerous corporate clients, Klein is best remembered for the iconic travel images he created for Howard Hughes and Trans World Airlines (TWA) during the 1950's and 1960's. To learn more about artist David Klein go to https://postergroup.com/blogs/the-ross-art-group-blog/david-klein-posters-as-portals-of-discovery This is an Original Vintage Poster. It is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all of our posters.

Dimensions:
25 x 39.75 inches

Artist or Maker:
David Klein

Date:
C 1955