Page 87 - Swann Galleries - Modernist Posters - Sale 2314 - May 13, 2013

ADOLPHE MOURON CASSANDRE (1901-1968)
101 ● CHEMIN DE FER DU NORD. 1929.
39x24 inches, 99x61 cm. L. Danel, Lille.
Condition A-: creases and abrasions in margins and image.
In 1929, Cassandre merged some of the key graphic conceits of his two earlier posters for the railroad
(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
is extremely elaborate and sophisticated airbrush work. Cassandre uses the blue sky and smattering of
clouds to help the needle 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 prior when he used
it for the redesigned cover of the Railroad’s company magazine. Mouron pl. 16, Cassandre / Suntory
52 p. 76, Brown & Reinhold p. 45, Cassandre / Tokyo 30, Reina Sofia p. 167, MOMA 272.1935.
[4,000/6,000]