1958 Earth by Herbert Danska International Geophysical Year IGY Science

Date: 1958
Artist: Danska, Herbert 
Size (in): 48.5” x 34”
Size (cm): 123.2 x 86.4
Condition: B+
Linen backed: Yes

This vintage original poster is one in a series of six created by African-American artist Hebert Danska in cooperation with the National Academy of Sciences for the International Geophysical Year (IGY) scientific program that ran from July 1957 to December 1958.   Information on the Eisenhower Presidential Library website describes the Cold War era IGY program as follows: 

From July 1957 to December 1958 an international cooperative scientific program was conducted to study the earth and its environment. This program was called the International Geophysical Year. More than 70 countries participated in the project which led to the discovery of the Van Allen radiation belts, the theory of plate tectonics, exploration of outer space, construction of earth satellites, and increased research in the Arctic and Antarctic polar regions. IGY was sponsored by the International Council of Scientific Unions and involved nearly 30,000 scientists. In a radio and television address on June 30, 1957, President Eisenhower expressed his belief that "the most important result of the International Geophysical Year is that demonstration of the ability of peoples of all nations to work together harmoniously for the common good. I hope this can become common practice in other fields of human endeavor."

For this poster, Earth, Danska renders an image of a Godlike figure opening Planet Earth in which small photos and illustrations depict different aspects of Earth Sciences research.   Danska even quotes Walt Whitman’s poem Earth! My Likeness! from Leaves of Grass.  Other posters in this series addressed geophysical and climate topics including The Oceans, The Poles, Weather and Climate, Sun and Earth, and Space.

This vintage original poster has been professionally backed to linen with minor touchup as needed including repair to pinholes on each corner and a small pinhole tear at the top center edge.   The poster otherwise showed just minor handling wear prior to the linen backing.  Overall condition is very good.