Lot 263: WALTER HERZ OLYMPIC GAMES / LONDON. 1948.

29 3/4x19 7/8 inches. McCorquodale & Co., London.
Condition B: sharp horizontal creases; wrinkles in image; darkened image. Paper.
A white marble statue of a discus thrower in front of Big Ben and the British Houses of Parliament. More than most Olympic posters, this not only announces the upcoming games, but also makes a proud political statement. The Houses of Parliament were not only a recognizable British landmark, but having survived the heavy German bombardment during the recently-concluded war, they were also a source of pride for the English. Juxtaposing the British seat of government and the statue serves to equate the Ancient Greek games with London, but more importantly implies a level of longevity of the British spirit. This is the smallest of three sizes. Olympic p. 53.