HAPAG Mediterranean Cruises

This original vintage poster was issued by Hamburg-Amerika Linie (HAPAG) to promote Mediterranean cruises aboard the M.S. Milwaukee in the late 1950s. Designed by Oswald Voh, a German commercial illustrator known for his polished, airbrushed style, the poster exemplifies the refined elegance of HAPAG’s postwar cruise advertising.

The composition is dominated by a beautifully rendered caryatid column—a sculpted female figure serving as architectural support—symbolizing the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean world. The stylized stone figure stands in warm light, evoking classical Greece and the artistic heritage awaiting travelers. Below, a HAPAG cruise ship glides across calm waters, placed against a rich cobalt-blue sky that enhances the sense of luxury and escapism.

Voh’s trademark smooth gradients and clean lines give the poster a sophisticated, modern feel while still celebrating the romance of classical Mediterranean imagery.

A highly attractive and collectible HAPAG poster, professionally mounted on linen and presented in excellent condition.