A Polynesian Escape: A Vintage Travel Poster Captures the allure of the South Seas
LOT 0103
PAUL THEODORE ETBAUER (1892-1975)
HAPAG WORLD TRIP / HAMBURG – AMERICA LINE. 1928.
29×21½ inches, 74×54½ cm. Muhlmeister & Johler, Hamburg.
Condition B+: restoration and abrasions along sharp creases at top and bottom, affecting text.
A vibrant combination of eye-catching, colorful patterns adorning the women’s dresses, luxurious metallic gold ink, and masterful shadow play coalesces in this captivating travel poster, transporting viewers to a Polynesian wonderland. Created by renowned artist Paul Theodore Etbauer in 1928, the piece embodies the compelling Art Deco aesthetic of its era.
Etbauer is celebrated for his iconic travel posters designed for the Hamburg America Line during the 1930s, which beautifully captured the allure of their zeppelins and ocean liners. This particular poster, promoting the “HAPAG World Trip,” showcases Etbauer’s signature style and invites adventure seekers to explore the exotic shores of the South Seas.
The Resolute, a Hamburg America Line flagship, sailed for the company from 1926 until 1935, carrying passengers on luxurious transatlantic voyages. Etbauer’s bold and captivating design effectively evoked a sense of wanderlust, enticing travelers to embark on their own voyages of discovery.
Time, Location
29 Feb 2024
USA, New York, NY
PAUL THEODORE ETBAUER (1892-1975)
HAPAG WORLD TRIP / HAMBURG – AMERICA LINE. 1928.
29×21½ inches, 74×54½ cm. Muhlmeister & Johler, Hamburg.
Condition B+: restoration and abrasions along sharp creases at top and bottom, affecting text.
A vibrant combination of eye-catching, colorful patterns adorning the women’s dresses, luxurious metallic gold ink, and masterful shadow play coalesces in this captivating travel poster, transporting viewers to a Polynesian wonderland. Created by renowned artist Paul Theodore Etbauer in 1928, the piece embodies the compelling Art Deco aesthetic of its era.
Etbauer is celebrated for his iconic travel posters designed for the Hamburg America Line during the 1930s, which beautifully captured the allure of their zeppelins and ocean liners. This particular poster, promoting the “HAPAG World Trip,” showcases Etbauer’s signature style and invites adventure seekers to explore the exotic shores of the South Seas.
The Resolute, a Hamburg America Line flagship, sailed for the company from 1926 until 1935, carrying passengers on luxurious transatlantic voyages. Etbauer’s bold and captivating design effectively evoked a sense of wanderlust, enticing travelers to embark on their own voyages of discovery.
What stylistic elements of Etbauer’s “HAPAG World Trip” poster exemplify Art Deco aesthetics?
## Interview: Nostalgia and Wanderlust
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! Today, we’re diving into the vibrant world of vintage travel posters with art historian Dr. Emily Carter. Dr. Carter, I’m looking at a stunning poster depicting a Polynesian paradise, created by the renowned artist Paul Theodor Etbauer in 1928. Can you tell us a bit more about Etbauer and this particular piece titled “HAPAG World Trip”?
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely! Paul Theodore Etbauer was a prominent figure in the world of travel poster art. He gained fame for capturing the allure of the Hamburg America Line’s voyages, whether by zeppelin or ocean liner. This “HAPAG World Trip” poster is a prime example of his talent.
**Host:** It certainly is captivating! The use of vibrant colors, the intricate patterns on the women’s dresses, and that metallic gold ink – it practically transports you to a tropical island.
**Dr. Carter:** Exactly! Etbauer was a master of evoking a sense of wonderlust. This poster particularly utilizes deco aesthetics with its geometric shapes and stylized figures, perfectly embodying the artistic trends of the late 20s.
**Host:** The poster mentions the “Resolute,” a Hamburg America flagship. Does this poster tell us anything about how people traveled then?
**Dr. Carter:** Indeed. The Resolute, a luxurious ocean liner, operating from 1926 to 1935, represented an era of grandeur in transatlantic travel. Etbauer’s poster embodies that sense of luxury and adventure, inviting viewers to embark on their own journey of discovery.
**Host:** It’s fascinating to see how art was used to entice people to explore the world. Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Dr. Carter!
**Dr. Carter:** My pleasure!
