![Lot 3262 Helsinki 1940 Summer Olympics Poster [Canceled Games]](https://cdn.rrauction.com/auction/722/3494989_1.jpg)
Original color 25 x 38.5 poster for the Helsinki 1940 Summer Olympics designed by Ilmari Sysimetsa, which depicts a large statue of an athlete above an image of the Earth, with Finland outlined in orange and Helsinki marked with a black dot. The Olympic rings are present in the upper section, and the lower features bold text: “XII. Olympiska Spelen, Helsingfors, 20.VII-4.VII. 1940.” Rolled and in very good condition, with several short edge tears.
The 1940 Summer Olympics were initially awarded to Tokyo, Japan, which would have made it the first Asian city to host the Summer Games. Japan relinquished its hosting duties in 1938 due to the Second Sino-Japanese War. The Games were then reassigned to Helsinki, Finland, but were ultimately canceled following the outbreak of World War II.
