Semaine d’Aviation de Lyon

Lithograph on paper Charles Tichon was a talented poster artist, Impressionist and Modernist. In the years after the Wright brothers first heavier than air flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903, France's national consciousness was captivated by aviation. Tichon's poster captures this newly found passion for flying in his vision of biplanes, balloons and monoplanes. They fly over Lyon and the river Rhone in the orange yellow glow of sunset. An elegant lady greets the aviators from a sea of roses bearing the coat of arms of Lyon. Behind her, La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere is visible. This is a classic document on the birth of aviation. Printed by Emile Pecaud & Cie, 16 Rue Pierre Levee 34-10, Paris