About the Artist
Percival Albert Trompf was an influential Australian poster artist whose work helped define the visual identity of early twentieth-century travel and tourism in Australia. Renowned for his ability to blend illustration with advertising, Trompf created images that were both visually striking and instantly communicative. His posters, marked by clarity and optimism, captured the adventurous spirit of the interwar years and remain highly collectible today.
During the Art Deco era, Trompf’s designs reflected the era’s fascination with progress and leisure, using bold forms and vibrant colors to evoke a sense of national pride and modern escapism.
The Artwork
Created in 1933, The Marine Wonders was commissioned as part of a campaign to promote Australia’s natural marvels, particularly the Great Barrier Reef, as must-see destinations for both domestic and international travelers. At a time when underwater exploration was still novel, this poster invited viewers to imagine the mysteries and beauty beneath the ocean’s surface, blending the allure of scientific discovery with the excitement of travel. It stands as a testament to the era’s belief in tourism as both education and adventure.
This work exemplifies the golden age of travel posters, when graphic art played a central role in shaping public perceptions and aspirations.
Style & Characteristics
This Art Deco poster presents a vibrant underwater scene, where colorful fish swim among coral formations in a deep blue sea. The composition uses strong contrasts, with bright yellows, oranges, reds, and greens making the marine life pop against the cool background. Trompf’s style favors simplified, decorative shapes and clean lines, creating a sense of movement and depth without excessive detail. The bold, streamlined typography at the top anchors the design and reinforces its promotional purpose.
The overall effect is lively and inviting, capturing both the wonder of the reef and the era’s modern aesthetic.
In Interior Design
The Marine Wonders brings a dynamic splash of color to interiors, making it ideal for living rooms, hallways, or offices seeking a touch of adventure. Its saturated blues and vivid accents pair beautifully with white walls, pale woods, brass details, and natural materials like linen or rattan. The poster complements coastal, mid-century, or contemporary spaces, and works well alongside other sea and ocean wall art, classic vintage advertising posters, or curated blue art prints.
