PIERRE FIX-MASSEAU (1905-1994) GAZOCONFORT MIRUS. 1932. 62x46 1/2 inches, 157 1/2x118 cm. Edita, Paris. Condition B+ / A-: wrinkles and abrasions in image. Fix-Masseau began in the 1920s, with the enviable position as assistant in Cassandre's studio, where he learned first-hand about Cassandre's style and techniques. He continued working through the 1980s, when he designed a series of posters for the Venice-Simplon Orient Express. While several of Fix-Masseau's most prominent travel posters clearly reflect Cassandre's influence, this poster is more in the style of the images created by Francis Bernard for the Arts Menagers exhibitions. Here the product itself is highlighted by the virtue of being a sharp photograph in the midst of a blue background. The silhouette of the woman is shown holding a plug to indicate that the stove is electrically run, and a match, to display how simple the product is to use. The fact that Mirus also employed Charles Loupot to design several posters for the company is a tribute to their sophisticated advertising strategy.
