Nov 09, 2023 - Sale 2652

Sale 2652 - Lot 131

Unsold
Estimate: $ 2,500 - $ 3,500

MILOS ENDLER (1903-1993)

WAGONS LITS / PRAGUE : LE PONT CHARLES. 1929.


41 3/4x26 inches, 106x66 cm. Unie, Prague.
Condition B: replaced losses, repaired tears, creases and water stains in margins; repaired tear at top left edge, into central image; minor creases and abrasions in margins and image. Mounted on Chartex.

In 1925, a luxury express train began operating during the summer months between Ostend and Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), one of Czechoslovakia's most famous spa towns. The train coupled with the Paris-Karlsbad-Prague express train in Nuremberg to complete the journey. This image of the Mala Strana side of Prague's famous Charles Bridge, highlights two obsolete historical facts about Prague: firstly, the car is shown driving on the left side of the bridge. Czechoslovakia, like the United Kingdom, had a left-side traffic system. Ironically, it was the German military force in the late 1930s that changed Czechoslovakia to a right-side traffic system. Also, the Charles Bridge has been closed to automobile traffic since 1965, but prior to that was open to cars, buses and even trams. Endler was primarily a landscape painter and a graphic designer, although he also worked as a set designer. He is remembered for his children's book illustrations, book plates and posters. Travel in Luxury p. 181.