JEAN CHASSAING (1905-1938) EN BORDÉE. Gouache maquette. Circa 1930. 62 1/2x47 inches. B+: cracking, chipping and abrasions in image. In 2003 Swann Auction Galleries had the privilege of auctioning the Jean Chassaing collection, which included posters he owned, as well as some of his own designs. With the exception of his strikingly handsome bust portrait of Josephine Baker, the majority of his work, which was largely influenced by Paul Colin, was unremarkable. This maquette, which we believe was never realized into an actual poster, clearly shows his ability as an exceptional designer. En Bordée (On Shore Leave) shows two sailors in a port town out for a night of rambunctious entertainment. With the ship framed in the background by the buildings on either side of the street, the image almost appears to be a set design. The geometrically-stylized characters are a perfect harmony of gestures and colors. It is a highly decorative and carefully constructed image.
