Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8

Raymond Savignac
circa 1970 “J’y vole donc j’y suis” Air France poster by Raymond Savignac

Circa 1970

$3,316.24
£2,476.93
€2,800
CA$4,550.01
A$5,083.88
CHF 2,659.43
MX$62,344.67
NOK 33,982.51
SEK 32,224.42
DKK 21,315.86
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

The circa 1970 “J’y vole donc j’y suis” poster by Raymond Savignac epitomizes the wit, charm, and visual brilliance that made the French graphic designer one of the 20th century’s most celebrated poster artists. Created for Air France, the work combines humor, elegance, and simplicity to captivate viewers and invite them into the world of travel. The poster’s slogan, "J’y vole donc j’y suis" (a playful twist on Descartes’ famous philosophical statement, “I think, therefore I am”), loosely translates to “I fly there, therefore I am.” This clever wordplay encapsulates the ethos of travel as a transformative experience, suggesting that by flying with Air France, one’s presence and identity are enriched. The phrase reinforces the growing sense of adventure and self-expression that air travel represented in the 1970s. Savignac’s illustration style, characterized by bold lines, flat colors, and whimsical characters, is on full display in this piece. The poster features a cheerful figure with outstretched arms—an embodiment of joy and freedom—soaring across a vibrant blue sky. The figure is rendered in Savignac’s signature playful aesthetic, radiating a sense of carefree delight. The bright, minimalist background allows the character to take center stage, ensuring the message is immediately clear and impactful. Air France’s branding in the 1970s was synonymous with luxury, reliability, and sophistication. This poster taps into those ideals, using humor and approachable design to appeal to a broad audience. The simplicity of the artwork reflects a modernist sensibility, eschewing overly complex imagery for clarity and charm. At the same time, it reinforces Air France’s global reputation as an airline that combined elegance with cutting-edge service. Savignac’s ability to distill complex ideas into simple, universally understood visuals is evident in the enduring appeal of this poster. By leveraging humor and a sense of whimsy, he transforms the act of flying into something joyful and essential, positioning Air France not merely as a carrier but as a gateway to life’s best experiences. In the context of the 1970s, air travel was becoming increasingly accessible to the middle class, transforming how people thought about leisure and exploration. Posters like this one didn’t just advertise a service; they helped define the cultural aspiration of travel itself. Savignac’s work, with its lighthearted tone and universal appeal, was instrumental in crafting the image of air travel as both sophisticated and fun. Today, the “J’y vole donc j’y suis” poster remains a celebrated piece of graphic design history. Collectors prize it for its association with Savignac, one of the last great practitioners of the traditional poster art form, as well as for its connection to Air France’s legacy as a leader in global aviation. Whether admired for its humor, historical significance, or timeless design, this poster endures as a vibrant testament to an era when flying was still filled with wonder and optimism. Original Poster Airline - Aviation - Childhood Poster avant la lettre Printed by Pietrini Bastard Fouquerai in Paris
  • Creator:
    Raymond Savignac
  • Creation Year:
    Circa 1970
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 39.38 in (100 cm)Width: 24.41 in (62 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Very good condition.
  • Gallery Location:
    PARIS, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1792215596702

More From This Seller

View All
Mathieu's 1967 Air France Paris original poster
By Georges Mathieu
Located in PARIS, FR
Mathieu's 1967 Air France Paris poster is a visual masterpiece that effortlessly transports us to an era of timeless elegance and sophisticatio...
Category

1960s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph, Linen

Mathieu's 1967 Air France Japan original poster
By Georges Mathieu
Located in PARIS, FR
In the illustrious realm of travel posters, certain pieces transcend their promotional purpose to become timeless works of art. Among these, Mathieu's 1967 Air France Japan poster st...
Category

1960s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph, Linen

1967 Georges Mathieu original travel poster Air France Canada
By Georges Mathieu
Located in PARIS, FR
In 1967, the renowned French artist Georges Mathieu unveiled a remarkable series of posters commissioned by Air France, marking a unique collaboration between art and advertising. Initiated by Pierre Sautet, the airline's deputy commercial director, this project aimed to capture the essence of Air France's destinations with Mathieu's distinctive artistic style. Georges Mathieu, celebrated for his dynamic and expressive abstract paintings, brought his avant-garde approach to these posters, infusing them with energy and vitality. Each poster in the series showcased a different Air France destination, captivating viewers with bold colors, fluid lines, and dramatic brushstrokes. The culmination of Mathieu's efforts was unveiled on October 26, 1967, at the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. The posters immediately captivated audiences, becoming a sensation both in France and abroad. Exhibitions showcasing Mathieu's Air France posters were organized across the globe, attesting to their widespread appeal and popularity. The Air France Canada poster, part of this iconic series, embodies Mathieu's distinctive style and the airline's transatlantic allure. Through vibrant colors and dynamic compositions, Mathieu captured the essence of Canada's majestic landscapes...
Category

1960s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph, Linen

Picart le Doux 1956 original poster for Air France travel to France
By Jean Picart Le Doux
Located in PARIS, FR
In the golden age of glamorous air travel, artist Jean Picart le Doux crafted a masterpiece that not only encapsulates the elegance and sophistication of an era but also pays homage to Air France's commitment to making France accessible to the world. Titled "France Air France," this 1956 original travel poster is a timeless representation of the allure of French travel. Air France, a pioneering force in the aviation industry, commissioned Picart le Doux to create a visual masterpiece that would not only promote the airline but also embody the spirit of French sophistication. Jean Picart le Doux, born in Paris in 1902, was a renowned French artist celebrated for his contributions to the field of tapestry, ceramics, and graphic arts. His artistic flair and distinctive style made him a sought-after figure in the mid-20th century. Picart le Doux's ability to blend traditional artistic elements with modern aesthetics is evident in "France Air France," where he skillfully captures the essence of both travel and national pride. As a piece of travel memorabilia...
Category

1950s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Linen, Paper, Lithograph

1953 Original poster of the airline company Air France designed by Renluc
By Renluc
Located in PARIS, FR
Original poster of the airline company Air France, designed by Renluc in 1953 to promote the link between Paris and Buenos Aires Airline - Aviation - Tourism Madrid - Dakar - Recif...
Category

1950s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph, Paper

1971 original travel poster by Pagès for Air France promoting travel to Asia
By Raymond Pages
Located in PARIS, FR
The 1971 original travel poster by Pagès for Air France promoting travel to Asia is a captivating piece that reflects the era's growing interest in global exploration and cultural di...
Category

1970s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph, Paper

You May Also Like

'Air France Paris' Original Vintage Travel Poster by Bernard Villemot, 1967
By Bernard Villemot
Located in Devon, GB
Air France commissioned French artist Bernard Villemot to design this dazzling poster to promote tourism to Paris in 1967. Primarily printed in blue and green, the painterly design f...
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Full Portfolio 14 Air France Posters by Georges Mathieu, 1968
By Air France
Located in Saint ouen, FR
Full portfolio 14 Air France posters - Georges Mathieu Full portfolio for Air France Blanchard Printing 1968 Measures: 100 x 60cm With summary b...
Category

Vintage 1960s European Other Posters

Materials

Paper

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

Georges Mathieu, Original Vintage Airline Poster, Air France Great Britain, 1967
By Georges Mathieu
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Original Vintage Poster-Mathieu Georges-Air France Great Britain London, 1967 This poster promotes Air France travel to Great Britain (England-Wales-Scotland). A bearskin hat of Que...
Category

20th Century French Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Georges Mathieu, Original Vintage Airline Poster, Air France Eiffel Tower, 1967
By Georges Mathieu
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Original Poster- Mathieu G -Air France-Paris-Eiffel Tower Roi Soleil, 1967 This poster promotes Air France travel to France. The Eiffel Tower is represented as well as Louis XIV, ...
Category

20th Century French Modern Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Air France Europe Travel Poster 1957 by Jean Carlu
By Jean Carlu
Located in Boca Raton, FL
In the post-World War ll era, Air France was rapidly expanding its routes for commercial air travel. This expansion was heavily promoted by the effective use of original posters crea...
Category

1950s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph