Pierre Fix-Masseau, Côte d'Azur / Pullman - Express. 1929.
Pierre Fix-Masseau
1905-1994
Côte d'Azur / Pullman - Express. 1929.
Condition A. Framed.
Fix-Masseau was lucky enough to have a position as assistant in Cassandre's studio at the end of the 1920s. While working there, he learned first-hand about Cassandre's style and techniques. Indeed, in this Art Deco masterpiece, one of the classic Art Deco train images, Fix-Masseau borrows liberally from the work of Cassandre. With text framing the image and a tiny distant focal point from which both the train and the tracks emerge, one is instantly reminded of Cassandre's Nord Express. Yet, in a noticeable break from Cassandre's concept, Fix-Masseau has the train rushing toward the viewer, not away, and the mountains alongside the train echo the wafting smoke from the locomotive's funnel. In 1932 Fix-Masseau designed another pillar in the Pantheon of Art Deco travel posters when he depicted the on-time arrival of a similar engine pulling into a station under the heading Exactitude.
Azur 14, Le Train 268, Golden Age 132.
39½x24½ inches, 100¼x62¼ cm. L. Danel, Lille.
Pierre Fix-Masseau
1905-1994
Côte d'Azur / Pullman - Express. 1929.
Condition A. Framed.
Fix-Masseau was lucky enough to have a position as assistant in Cassandre's studio at the end of the 1920s. While working there, he learned first-hand about Cassandre's style and techniques. Indeed, in this Art Deco masterpiece, one of the classic Art Deco train images, Fix-Masseau borrows liberally from the work of Cassandre. With text framing the image and a tiny distant focal point from which both the train and the tracks emerge, one is instantly reminded of Cassandre's Nord Express. Yet, in a noticeable break from Cassandre's concept, Fix-Masseau has the train rushing toward the viewer, not away, and the mountains alongside the train echo the wafting smoke from the locomotive's funnel. In 1932 Fix-Masseau designed another pillar in the Pantheon of Art Deco travel posters when he depicted the on-time arrival of a similar engine pulling into a station under the heading Exactitude.
Azur 14, Le Train 268, Golden Age 132.
39½x24½ inches, 100¼x62¼ cm. L. Danel, Lille.
