The Family of Man
Josef Müller-Brockmann
Swiss, 1914–1996
1957-58
A large photolithograph poster by Josef Müller-Brockmann promoting the international exhibition The Family of Man, using spare typography and a single striking photograph to communicate a universal human theme.
The image is dominated by a heavy black band of lowercase title above a grainy black-and-white photo of a child in a balletic, off‑balance pose on tiled ground, the emptiness around the figure intensifying its motion and emotional presence.
The poster exemplifies midcentury Swiss graphic design—rigorous typography, asymmetrical composition, and photographic focus—and played a key role in packaging and spreading the humanist message of The Family of Man to global audiences.
Medium
Photolithograph
Dimensions
50 1/4 x 35 1/4" (127.6 x 89.5 cm)
Classification
Department
Credit
Gift of the designer
Accession
1508.2000
Palette
Art Terms
Exhibitions
