Italian Mid Century Travel Poster for ‘American Export Lines’ by Sassi, 1951

This is a Mid-Century Modern period advertising poster by Alda Sassi for the maiden voyage of the SS Constitution, shown here next to her sister ship the SS Independence; both ships were owned by the American Export Lines. This is a brightly colored, exquisitely crafted image featuring these two ocean liners sailing into the foreground, with a large green ocean god blowing a horn behind them. A pink and yellow sky composes the background of this wonderfully playful image. The bold expressive typography completes this unique Art Deco inspired Mid-Century Modern poster.

Interesting to note, the SS Constitution was featured in several episodes of I Love Lucy, as well as the 1957 film “An Affair to Remember” starring Cary Grant. Additionally, Grace Kelly sailed aboard the SS Consitution from New York to Monaco for her wedding to Prince Rainier in 1956.

Printed by Affissione autorizzata dalla Questura di Genova in data 2 Luglio, 1951. ADV. 20/IT. – TIP A. PESCE. GENOVA.