ADOLPHE MOURON CASSANDRE (1901-1968) CHEMIN DE FER DU NORD. 1929. 39x24 3/4 inches, 99x63 cm. L. Danel, Lille. Condition B+: expertly-repaired tear from top edge into central image; repaired tears, small restored losses and overpainting in margins. In 1929, Cassandre merged some of the key graphic conceits of his two earlier posters for the railroad (the fading perspective formed by the converging rails and telegraph lines, and the star balancing on the rails themselves) with a compass needle. The way he renders the needle and its shadow demonstrates extremely elaborate and sophisticated airbrush work. Cassandre uses the blue sky and smattering of clouds to emphasize the needle, and the large black "N" of the compass reinforces the "Nord" in the poster's title. Cassandre had devised this idea of a compass needle several years prior when he used it for the redesigned cover of the railroad company's magazine. Mouron 16, Suntory 52, Brown & Reinhold p. 45, Cassandre / Tokyo 30, Reina Sofia p. 167, Crouse p. 256, Cassandre / Weill 50, MoMA 272.1935.
