c.1940s Santa Fe Railway Poster – Cowboy & Tourist Scene by Hernando G. Villa – Original Vintage Travel Lithograph

Step into the romanticized West with this original vintage travel poster from the Santa Fe Railway, featuring artwork by legendary Western illustrator Hernando G. Villa (1881–1952).

Although this iconic cowboy-and-tourist scene was originally created in 1931, this particular poster was printed in the 1940s, part of Santa Fe's continued campaign to promote the Southwest as a glamorous and adventurous destination. It depicts a rugged cowboy speaking with a fashionably dressed woman — likely a visitor at a dude ranch — symbolizing the encounter between Old West tradition and modern tourism.

Villa's work was a cornerstone of Santa Fe’s brand identity, bringing authenticity, warmth, and dramatic flair to the railroad’s promotional material. This rare survivor is a brilliant example of mid-century Western travel art.

Details:

• Artist: Hernando G. Villa (signed in plate)

• Date of Artwork: 1931

• Date of Printing: Circa 1940s

• Client: Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway

• Scene: Cowboy & Tourist at Southwest Dude Ranch

• Medium: Original vintage lithograph poster (not a reproduction)

• Size: Approx. 24" x 36"

• Backing: Unmounted (not linen backed)

• Condition: Very good vintage condition. Minor edge wear, slight toning, and pinholes from original display. Image area clean and vibrant.

• Framing: Unframed and ready for archival mounting or display

• Provenance: From a private collection of Santa Fe Railway ephemera

Why Collect This Piece:

• Rare original issue from the 1940s using classic 1931 artwork

• Beautiful example of Hernando Villa’s renowned Western art

• Captures the golden era of rail travel and dude ranch tourism

• Santa Fe Railway memorabilia is highly prized by collectors

• Perfect for Americana, railroad, or Southwest-themed decor