Rare Travel Posters Come to Sale With Swann Auction Galleries

Pierre Fix-Masseau was a significant poster designer of the 20th century, spellbound by new technology and speed. Transport was his favorite theme; many of his works depicted trains, cars and ships. The upcoming auction presented by Swann Auction Galleries will feature Exactitude, one of Fix-Masseau’s most renowned posters. It portrays a train, which has just pulled into a station, with bold geometric lines, warm hues, and strident angles. The imposing image was originally a painting, later converted into a poster for a promotional campaign by the French State Railway. The work exemplifies Fix-Masseau’s artistic philosophy of using a universal language in a simple and direct manner. Another key highlight of the sale is Roger Broders’ Les Sports D’hiver / St Pierre De Chartreuse. The travel poster illustrates sleekly-dressed tourists at the Alpine resort of Perquelin gathered to watch a bobsled team in action. The crowd scene is executed by the artist in a skillful way.

Emil Cardinaux’s Palace Hotel / St. Moritz, one of the two posters for the famous resort hotel, also leads the listings. Depicting lounging winter guests, it reflects the lifestyle of the hotel’s clientele. Visit Swann Auction Galleries to view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Rare & Important Travel Posters sale.