May 13, 2013 - Sale 2314

Sale 2314 - Lot 105

Price Realized: $ 13,200
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 12,000 - $ 18,000
ADOLPHE MOURON CASSANDRE (1901-1968) NORMANDIE. 1935.
39 1/4x24 inches, 99 3/4x61 cm. Alliance Graphique L. Danel, Paris.
Condition B+: repaired tears and restoration at edges and in upper image; foxing and overpainting in margins; minor abrasions in image.
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; one announces the ship's maiden voyage, while another announces "Service Régulier." Mouron 56, Tourism 19, La Mer 137, Schipp & Affiche 30, Brown & Reinhold 53, Weill 345, 1000 Posters 262, Reina Sofia p. 194, Affiches Art Deco p. 43 (var), Design Graphique 64.