Designer: | Antoni, Ib (1929-1973) |
Country: | Denmark |
Decade: | 1960 |
Dimensions: | 100.0 x 62.0 cm | 39.370078740000004 x 24.4094488188 inches |
Condition: | Very good | | B + |
Publisher: | Den Kongelige Grønlandske Handel (KGH) |
Printed by: | Vang Rasmussen -- Copenhagen |
Category: |
Product / Other Travel |
This delightful vintage travel poster is an original work by renowned Danish illustrator Ib Antoni, created to promote Greenland, referred to here as "Le Danemark Arctique" — Arctic Denmark. A charming and colorful piece of mid-century design, the poster beautifully encapsulates Antoni’s signature style: warm, whimsical, and full of character.
At the center of the poster is a cheerful Inuit girl, styled with Antoni’s iconic rounded features and expressive eyes. The girl holds up a freshly caught fish in one hand and the Danish flag in the other, symbolizing both tradition and national pride. The clothing is a vibrant patchwork of Arctic imagery—icebergs, ships, polar animals, and native patterns—all carefully rendered to evoke the cultural richness of Greenland. From the icy mountain silhouettes on the upper chest to the lively marine and wildlife motifs on the lower tunic, every detail is playful yet deliberate.
Ib Antoni's art is considered part of Denmark’s modernist legacy alongside figures like Verner Panton and Jørn Utzon.
The background is stark white, allowing the bright reds, purples, and blues of the illustration to pop dramatically. Above the figure, the title reads “GROENLAND – LE DANEMARK ARCTIQUE” in elegant gray serif lettering, flanked by official Danish crests, lending a sense of formality and official endorsement. Below, the word “DANEMARK” anchors the composition in a stately font, reminding viewers of the link between Denmark and Greenland.
This piece is in very good condition, with only minor flaws—small pinholes in the upper corners, likely from previous display. When framed, it would make a truly striking and heartwarming addition to any collection of travel, Scandinavian, or mid-century design ephemera. It’s a fine example of Antoni’s ability to distill national identity into joyful, accessible imagery..