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Object Timeline

1943

  • Work on this object began.

1953

  • Work on this object ended.

1963

  • We acquired this object.

2013

2024

  • You found it!

Poster, American Airlines to Mexico

This is a Poster. It was designed by Edward McKnight Kauffer and made for (as the client) American Airlines. It is dated 1948 and we acquired it in 1963. Its medium is offset lithograph on paper, lined. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

Designer E. McKnight Kauffer produced a series of posters for American Airlines in the 1940s after returning to live in the United States, many of which reflect his modern and symbolic approach to design. Although this poster emphasizes the sunny destination of Mexico rather than the experience of flying, the form of the figure in his sombrero subtly approximates an airplane, reminding travelers to choose American Airlines.

This object was donated by Mrs. Edward McKnight Kauffer. It is credited Gift of Mrs. E. McKnight Kauffer.

Its dimensions are

107.1 × 81.3 cm (42 3/16 in. × 32 in.)

It is signed

Printed in script in brown ink, lower right: E.McKnight Kauffer

It is inscribed

Printed in black ink, lower left: LITHOGRAPHED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Cite this object as

Poster, American Airlines to Mexico; Designed by Edward McKnight Kauffer (American, active England, 1890–1954); Client: American Airlines (United States); USA; offset lithograph on paper, lined; 107.1 × 81.3 cm (42 3/16 in. × 32 in.); Gift of Mrs. E. McKnight Kauffer; 1963-39-137

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18447269/ |title=Poster, American Airlines to Mexico |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=19 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>