This is one of the more imaginative examples of mid-century airline advertising, and the artist, David Klein (1918–2005), is among the most collectible American travel poster designers of the 20th century.

This poster is “Portugal — Fly TWA,” created around 1960 for Trans World Airlines. What I particularly like about it is that Klein chose fantasy and folklore over conventional tourist imagery. Instead of depicting Lisbon's architecture or beaches, he created an almost surreal composition featuring a mermaid, a windmill, and a traditional Portuguese fishing boat.

David Klein was an American commercial artist who became famous for his striking travel advertisements for TWA during the 1950s and 1960s.

His career also included theatrical posters, book illustration, and advertising, but his TWA commissions established his lasting reputation.

Klein's work coincided with the golden age of commercial aviation, when airlines were selling not just transportation but the glamour and excitement of international travel.

His posters frequently used saturated colors, fragmented geometric shapes, dramatic compositions, and simplified imagery.

One of his most famous designs, New York — Fly TWA, was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art in 1957. The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum has also documented the importance of his TWA poster designs.

Dimensions: 25” x 40”

Approx 1300-1500pcs