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A. M. CASSANDRE (ADOLPHE MOURON, 1901-1968)
74
•
CHEMIN DE FER DU NORD. 1929.
39
1
/
4
x24
1
/
4
inches, 99
3
/
4
x61
1
/
2
cm. L. Danel, Lille.
Condition B+ / B: abrasions and restoration along vertical and horizontal folds; staining, creases and
restoration in margins; rippling in lower image.
In 1929, Cassandre combines some of the key graphic conceits of his two earlier posters for the rail-
road (the fading perspective formed by the converging rails and telegraph lines and the star balancing
on the rails themselves) with a compass needle. The manner in which he renders the needle and its
shadow are extremely elaborate, with sophisticated airbrush work. Cassandre uses the blue sky and
smattering of clouds to help the needle to stand out, and the large black “N” of the compass reinforces
the “Nord” in the poster’s title. Cassandre had devised this idea of a compass needle several years previ-
ously when he used it for the redesigned cover of the Railroad’s company magazine (see following lot).
Mouron pl. 16, Suntory 52 p. 76, Reina Sophia p. 167, MOMA 272.1935.
[4,000/6,000]