The 1956 Olympic Games were in Melbourne in November, but the horses went to Stockholm in June. Australia's six-month quarantine regulations on horses ruled out staging the equestrian events in Melbourne. The IOC chose Stockholm instead in 1954, and 158 athletes from 29 nations competed in dressage, eventing and show jumping at Stockholm Olympic Stadium from 11 to 17 June.
John Sjösvärd (1890 to 1958), a Stockholm painter and graphic artist, designed the official poster. Esselte of Stockholm printed it. He based the composition on Parthenon frieze sculpture.
On the poster
A terracotta-brown horse rears against a pale marbled ground, its rider erect in a short draped cloak, posed like a figure from a Parthenon frieze. A deep navy band below carries cream Roman serif capitals: "Equestrian Games of the XVIth Olympiad, 1956, Stockholm, 10th–17th June." The five Olympic rings, in full colour, sit between the date numerals.
About this print
A digitally restored reproduction, printed on 200gsm Enhanced Matte Fine Art paper with pigment inks.

