General Dynamics - Exploring the Universe

This original vintage poster, titled Exploring the Universe – Worlds Without End, was created by Erik Nitsche in 1957 for General Dynamics. The design depicts a small Atlas rocket traveling through an immense universe of galaxies and a dramatic black hole, illustrating the possibilities of space exploration and man's growing understanding of the cosmos. General Dynamics was formed in 1952 as the parent company of the Electric Boat Company and other U.S. defense and technology businesses. The company became involved in aerospace, submarines, electronics, nuclear energy and other advanced technologies. Nitsche's first General Dynamics posters were created for the 1955 International Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in Geneva. The Exploring the Universe series followed in 1957–1958 and was created to illustrate General Dynamics' scientific and technological research for the second Geneva conference in 1958. Worlds Without End reflects the growing importance of space exploration during the early years of the Space Age. General Dynamics' Atlas missile technology would subsequently be adapted as a launch system for America's space program. Nitsche emphasizes the enormous scale of the universe by reducing the rocket to a tiny red point alongside the vast black circular form and surrounding galaxies. Erik Nitsche (1908–1998) was a Swiss-born graphic designer who moved to the United States in 1934. In 1955 he became Art Director for General Dynamics and developed the company's corporate identity, advertising, annual reports and celebrated series of posters. His General Dynamics work combined Swiss Modernist graphic design with imagery drawn from contemporary science and technology and remains among his best-known work.This poster was printed in Switzerland by R. Marsens of Lausanne using stone lithography. This is an Original Vintage Poster, it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all our posters.