United Air Lines - New York Atlas Statue

This striking United Air Lines travel poster presents an unforgettable upward view of the Atlas statue, the iconic bronze figure standing before Rockefeller Center in New York. The composition captures the muscular tension of Atlas as he supports the celestial sphere, while the towering skyscraper rises dramatically behind him, emphasizing the majesty and vertical power of Manhattan. The contrast between the deep blue sky, the gleaming stone façade, and the dark bronze sculpture creates a dynamic visual that conveys both strength and sophistication.Created to promote United Air Lines routes to New York, the poster reflects the airline’s mid-century strategy of associating its destinations with architectural grandeur and cultural significance. By choosing one of the city’s most recognizable Art Deco landmarks, the design evokes a sense of modernity and aspiration, appealing to travelers drawn to the energy and prestige of New York. The clean typography and vibrant color palette reinforce the sleek, forward-looking aesthetic typical of United’s advertising during this era.Rockefeller Center’s Atlas statue, designed by Lee Lawrie and Rene Paul Chambellan in the 1930s, has long symbolized endurance, achievement, and global ambition — themes perfectly aligned with the airline industry’s optimism and expanding international reach. This poster captures that spirit with clarity and immediacy, turning a familiar landmark into a powerful emblem of New York’s allure.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.