This rare French cinema poster from 1942, created by Jean Colin, promotes the documentary-style film Sortilège exotique, a work conceived as a poetic journey “around the world.” Produced during the difficult years of the Second World War, the poster stands out for its escapist imagery and its striking visual ambition. The composition is dominated by a monumental, idealized figure drinking from a bowl, rendered with smooth, sculptural modeling and dramatic lighting. Around this central image, Jean Colin layers evocative scenes of distant landscapes: palm trees, calm seas, an elephant wading through water, and a musician playing a guitar. These elements blend documentary references with a dreamlike, almost mythical atmosphere, reinforcing the film’s promise of exoticism and wonder. The bold typography of the title, “Sortilège exotique,” anchors the image while emphasizing the notion of enchantment and fascination with faraway cultures. The overall palette—rich browns, deep blues, and warm tropical tones—adds to the sense of sensory immersion. In a period marked by restriction and isolation, such imagery offered audiences an imagined escape beyond Europe’s borders. Jean Colin, one of the most prolific and inventive French poster designers of the mid-20th century, was known for his painterly style and his ability to fuse realism with fantasy. In this poster, his talent is fully expressed through balanced composition, expressive figures, and a strong narrative presence that captures attention from a distance. Today, this original poster is appreciated not only as a piece of film advertising, but also as a powerful visual document of French graphic design under the Occupation. It remains a compelling collectible for enthusiasts of cinema history, exotic-themed imagery, and classic illustrated posters. Original poster Cinema - Colony Made around the world by Alfred Chaumel and Geneviève Chaumel Gentil, evocation of old french colony French cinematography Paris Two-sheet poster Good condition, folds, tears in the folds
