{"product_id":"basel-zoo-travel-poster-by-urs-eggenschwyler-1923","title":"Basel Zoo Travel Poster by Urs Eggenschwyler, 1923","description":"\u003cp\u003eUrs Eggenschwyler’s \u003cem\u003eZoologischer Garten Basel\u003c\/em\u003e, created in 1923, promotes Basel’s zoological garden through a single, wonderfully assertive animal presence. A dark seal rises across the lower half of the vertical composition, its head lifted, mouth open and whiskers splaying into the pale space above. Rather than offering a panoramic view of the attraction, Eggenschwyler turns one animal into its ambassador: animated, direct and large enough to command the poster from edge to edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA Swiss artist known for animal subjects, Eggenschwyler was particularly well suited to this commission. The poster belongs to an era in which destinations and leisure attractions were increasingly defined through concise, memorable graphics. In the 1920s, such advertising needed to communicate at a glance, often from a distance; here, simplified forms, emphatic lettering and strong tonal contrast replace descriptive detail. The result is promotional without becoming impersonal, balancing the clarity of modern graphic design with an attentive observation of the seal’s physical character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eA closer look\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe typography establishes the subject before the animal takes over. Across the upper section, the words “Zoologischer Garten Basel” appear in thick, bold sans-serif capitals, their robust geometry set against a warm beige ground. The lettering forms a stable architectural band, while the seal below introduces irregular contours and movement. Its raised muzzle and open mouth direct attention upwards, creating an energetic exchange between animal and text.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEggenschwyler gives the seal a convincing sense of weight through deep brown-black tones, softened by restrained highlights and subtle shading along the rounded body. The eyes are small but alert; the muzzle is modelled with fine lines, and the long whiskers extend beyond the compact mass of the head. These delicate marks are especially effective against the largely unoccupied background. At the lower edge, broad flippers spread out to anchor the composition, their outlined folds and muscular shapes contrasting with the seal’s smoother torso.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeneath the animal, angular marks suggest a rocky surface without developing into a fully described habitat. This economical base is important to the design: it gives the seal something to occupy while preserving the poster’s essential flatness. The background likewise avoids scenic distraction. Its muted, softly graduated beige makes the dark body more immediate, while the limited palette allows changes in contour, texture and tone to do much of the visual work.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eContext and significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEarly twentieth-century travel and tourism posters frequently distilled a destination into one compelling emblem—an architectural landmark, a dramatic landscape or, as here, an engaging animal. \u003cem\u003eZoologischer Garten Basel\u003c\/em\u003e applies that strategy with unusual concentration. The zoo is not represented through gates, crowds or a collection of exotic species; instead, the seal’s expressive face supplies the promise of encounter. Its open mouth can be read simply as a moment of animal behaviour, yet within the poster’s promotional structure it also acts almost like a visual call, projecting liveliness beyond the confines of the composition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe design’s Art Deco-era directness lies in its firm typography, reduced setting and clear hierarchy, but the animal never feels like a generic logo. Details of skin, flippers, eyes and whiskers retain the specificity of close observation. That tension between zoological character and graphic economy is what gives Eggenschwyler’s poster its enduring appeal: it is at once an advertisement for 1920s leisure culture and a sharply constructed animal portrait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChoosing the right size and finish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eArtwork can feel intimate at smaller sizes and dramatically more architectural at larger ones. Use the room preview, model image and size guide to see how the proportions and scale will work in your space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you need an exact size, specialist framing or help planning a larger display, \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eask our workshop for advice\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this art print.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere personalisation is available, you can add a short title or dedication, or one considered visual detail. \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/pages\/map-personalisation\"\u003eSee examples of personalised artwork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose Original to retain the colour and character of the source artwork, or Aged for a warmer, more antique appearance. \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/sepia-aged-maps\"\u003eSee examples of our Aged artwork\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece is produced to archival standards using fade-resistant pigment inks on acid-free matte art paper. Choose an art print, framed art print or framed canvas using the finish options above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFramed art prints use crystal-clear optical acrylic for excellent clarity, lower weight and safer delivery than glass. Each piece arrives professionally framed and ready to hang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSelected artworks can be produced at statement sizes up to 3 metres (10ft). Custom sizing and \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/custom-framing\"\u003especialist framing\u003c\/a\u003e are also available. If the exact option you need is not listed, \u003ca target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/fr\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact our workshop\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Art print","offer_id":68187066663303,"sku":null,"price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":68187066696071,"sku":null,"price":82.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8x10in (20x25cm) \/ Framed canvas","offer_id":68187066728839,"sku":null,"price":95.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Art print","offer_id":68187066761607,"sku":null,"price":34.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed art print","offer_id":68187066794375,"sku":null,"price":82.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"A4 (210x297mm) \/ Framed 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