David Klein

Original David Klein 1950's Poster - Fly TWA The Orient

1955

This Europe poster was created circa 1960 by the gifted American artist David Klein (1918 -2005) for TWA. Klein chose to depict some of the European highlights for this poster: The R...

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...

Fly TWA The Orient, an original linen-backed travel poster by David Klein. Size: 25” x 40". Archival linen backed and ready to frame. Excellent condition, Grade A. Standing i...

Step into a vivid dream of Iberian flair with this striking circa 1960 original travel poster by David Klein, created for Trans World Airlines (TWA). Designed at the height of the Jet Age, this artwork invites viewers to fly across the Atlantic and immerse themselves in the timeless traditions and spectacle of Spain. Rendered in Klein’s unmistakable style—bold, graphic, and saturated with color—the poster is anchored by the imposing figure of a matador, resplendent in an elaborately embroidered traje de luces (suit of lights). His stoic expression, the gleaming detail of his costume, and the dramatic composition place the viewer right on the threshold of the bullring. In the background, another matador stands poised beneath the arches of a sunlit plaza de toros, while a stylized jetliner leaves a clean, modern contrail in the crimson sky above—signaling the future soaring above the heritage of the past. With its juxtaposition of tradition and modernity, this poster captures both the romance of Old Spain and the excitement of international travel in the mid-20th century. The golden Gothic script of “Spain” contrasts with the jet-age boldness of the “Fly TWA” lettering, creating a visual rhythm that reflects the era’s enthusiasm for cultural discovery through air travel. David Klein’s TWA...