A Collection of Art

General Dynamics Posters, c. 1954

Among the most famous examples of contemporary poster design are the works made for General Dynamics by Erik Nitsche, a Swiss graphic designer.

His historic relationship with General Dynamics began in 1953 and continued through 1960; he ultimately designed three series of advertising posters, the company's corporate image, annual reports and a 420-page book of its corporate history entitled "Dynamic America."

Nitsche is credited with bringing a European modernist sensibility to American graphic design. His goal for General Dynamics was to convey an "idealistic image of the future" and his posters radiated power and optimism. Now considered classics, their design is still fresh, imbued with simple beauty and dynamic pictorial effect.