Klein, David F. 1918 - 2005
TWA - New York
Silkscreen ca. 1960
40.5 x 25.1 in. (103 x 64 cm)
Printer: Litho in USA
Condition Details: (A-) backed on linen, minimal tears and creasing and minor wear at the edges, the poster colors are strikingly fresh and vibrant

David Klein’s iconic 1956 TWA poster brilliantly captures the energy of New York’s Times Square through bold, geometric color blocks, embodying the city’s Midcentury Modern vibrancy. Originally featuring a detailed TWA Constellation, the design was later updated to include the silhouette of a jet plane as the airline embraced the Jet Age. Recognized as Klein’s most celebrated work, it was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art just a year after its release. In the post-WWII era, as Howard Hughes expanded TWA’s routes and air travel surged in popularity, posters like this played a crucial role in promoting the allure of flying. Times Square, often considered the center of the world, remains a symbol of excitement, and Klein’s masterful portrayal of its neon brilliance cements this piece as a defining example of 1950s advertising and Mad Men-era design.