?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 15,000 - $ 20,000
ADOLPHE MOURON CASSANDRE (1901-1968) NORMANDIE / MAIDEN VOYAGE. 1935. 39 1/4x24 1/2 inches, 99 3/4x62 1/4 cm. Alliance Graphique L. Danel, Paris. Condition B+: repaired tear at top edge, into image; repaired tears, minor restored losses and creases in margins; minor restoration in image; repaired pin holes in corners. A pillar in the pantheon of modern poster design, Cassandre's unforgettable image has entered the mainstream of the graphic vernacular. Attention is often drawn to the "lofty symmetry and steep upward angle" (Mouron p. 67) of the composition and to the small flock of gulls, which help to convey the size of this floating palace. Yet, seen head-on, this liner displays a grace and smoothness of curves that belie its massive size; even the small amount of water being churned up by its mighty keel seems to suggest that the boat is literally gliding through the ocean. Several variations of this poster exist, all boasting the same monumental image, but differing in their text; this one announces the ship's maiden voyage, while another announces "Service Régulier." Mouron 56, Tourism 19, La Mer 137, Schipp & Affiche p. 60, Brown & Reinhold 53, Weill 345, Reina Sofia p. 194, Affiches Art Deco p. 43 (var), Design Graphique 64.
