Pilatus-Kulm – Blick auf die Berneralpen

✓ Original - not a reprint!
✓ Delivery in 2-4 working days
✓ 100 days right of return

About the poster

Original Swiss travel poster from around 1920 featuring a panoramic view of the Bernese Alps. The motif depicts the dramatic mountain railway, steep rock formations, and the characteristic Bellevue and Pilatus-Kulm hotels, while a long row of Alpine peaks is named along the upper edge of the poster — including Finsteraarhorn, Lauteraarhorn, Schreckhorn, Wetterhorn, Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger.

The poster has an almost hand-painted appearance with remarkable depth and warmth in the colours. The dark rocky formations in the foreground contrast beautifully with the snow-covered peaks in the background, while small details such as the cogwheel railway, winding paths, and tiny human figures give the composition a lively and narrative quality.

At the bottom of the poster appears the text “Pilatus-Kulm * Blick auf die Berneralpen.” together with “E. Götz, Luzern.”, referring to the printer Emil Götz of Lucerne. Similar panoramic prints and tourist posters from Pilatus-Kulm are typically dated to the 1920s, which fits very well with the style and printing technique of this particular example.

The poster measures 60.5 x 29.5 cm and is printed on exceptionally thick paper with a beautiful texture and surface quality. It is immediately clear that this is an early high-quality print from a period when travel posters were produced to last. The paper has furthermore been stored rolled inside a tube for almost 100 years, giving the piece a unique authenticity and beautiful natural patina.

A wonderful piece of Swiss travel and railway history from the golden age of Alpine tourism, when mountain railways, hotels, and scenic viewpoints were promoted through richly detailed panoramic artworks.

Condition

8/10. Very fine condition with beautiful, even patina and strong colours. The poster is printed on very thick paper and is generally very well preserved. Two fold lines are visible from decades of rolled storage, though they already appear relatively discreet and are expected to flatten further once framed. Overall, a highly charming and decorative example with great age and character.