◇ Wings Over the Atlantic: Lindbergh's Journey

This 1927 print by Lucien Boucher commemorates Charles A. Lindbergh's historic transatlantic flight on May 21, 1927.  

Why We Picked It
This plate features a striking pictorial map style that beautifully illustrates the transatlantic journey of early aviation. With a plane soaring over the ocean from New York to Africa, it captures a sense of adventure and exploration. The lower left highlights the Antilles and South America in green, while Paris is accentuated in pink, providing a vibrant contrast. Above, the North Sea and the UK are depicted, and Greenland, adorned with seals, adds an intriguing touch to the composition. The overall design combines artistic flair with geographical elements, creating a captivating visual narrative of connectivity and travel.

Notable Context
This plate is set against the backdrop of the 1920s, a transformative era in aviation history marked by significant milestones in long-distance flight. Charles A. Lindbergh's solo transatlantic journey in 1927, which this piece commemorates, was a groundbreaking achievement that captured the world's imagination and symbolized human innovation. It underscored the possibilities of air travel, inspiring future generations and accelerating advancements in aviation technology. The map not only highlights key geographic locations involved in this journey but also reflects the spirit of exploration and global connectivity that characterized the time. This period also saw a surge in interest in travel and international relations, making this artwork a poignant reminder of a time when the world felt both vast and accessible.