E. McKnight Kauffer designed this great poster for American Airlines in 1948. Placing the US Capitol against a simple background conveys the power and importance of that building. The use of red, white and blue as the principle colors, plus the stars in the sky subtly reinforces the American theme. Kauffer worked for Pan Am and American Airlines after his return to America in 1940.
Edward McKnight Kauffer was one of the great mid century artists who made his name on both sides of the Atlantic. Born in Montana he moved to Europe where in the 20’s and 30’s he was a stalwart of Frank Pick’s legendary team working for London Transport and the London Underground. He returned to America in 1940 and began work with Pan-Am and American Airlines which continued until his death in 1954. Kauffer and David Klein are the most collectible of American poster artists. This poster from 1953 is one of the last he created.