Cassandre’s imposing masterpiece of the Normandie is perhaps the most famous poster of all time. Everything from the flock of tiny birds to the upward sweeping vantage point is designed to accentuate the great ocean liner’s scale and stately character.
The ship itself was a symbol of national pride. From the outset, its mission was to be the largest and fastest ocean liner, and the “ultimate expression of the artistic and scientific genius” of France. Despite a global Depression and fierce competition from Italy, Germany and England, the Normandie succeeded on all counts. It was the first liner to sustain a speed of 30 knots, and on its very first transatlantic voyage captured the Blue Ribbon for the fastest crossing ever -- 4 days and a little more than 3 hours.
This is the extremely rare "60 Voyages" version of the poster printed in 1938 that celebrates the successful early years of the great ship.