44 1/4x38 1/2 inches, 112 1/4x97 3/4 cm. I.G.A.P., Rome. Condition A-: expertly-repaired tears in margins; unobtrusive horizontal fold.
Promoting "the second transatlantic mass-formation flight jointly sponsored by the Societa Italo-Americana del Petrolio (Italo-American Petroleum Society) and the Italian government, in celebration of the eleventh anniversary of Benito Mussolini's rise to power" (Crouse, p. 38). This image is one of three prominent posters designed to propagandize this incredible "aeronautical achievement [which] was an epic undertaking for its time: it comprised two formations, each of which was made up of four squadrons consisting of three SIAI SM 55X seaplanes. Until then the North Atlantic had been traversed only by single aeroplanes, and [the airmen] received a tumultuous welcome upon their arrival in the United States" (Wings of Italy p. 10). "The twenty-four Savoia-Marchettis that flew from Rome to the Century of Progress International Exposition in Chicago, then returned to Rome via New York, were under the command of the Italian marshal of the air force, General Italo Balbo" (ibid). Balbo was opposed to Italy's alliance with Hitler. Crouse p. 38, Wings of Italy p. 44.
