POSTER: FRANCIS BERNARD (1900-1979). CUNARD L

FRANCIS BERNARD (1900-1979) CUNARD LINE. Circa 1935.
39 1/4x24 3/4 inches, 100x63 cm. Paul Martial.
Condition B+: repaired tears and creases in margins and image; pinholes in corners.
Francis Bernard's contribution to the world of French graphic design was considerable. In addition to the posters he designed, he was Art Director of the Paul Martial studio and in charge of advertising for the Arts Menagers exhibitions as well as for the OTUA, Office Technique pour l'Utilisation de l'Acier (see lot 133). After World War II he became the director of communication for the French State Radio and Television. During the 1930s he was a member of the U.A.M, the Union des Artistes Moderne. His colleagues in the organization were none other than A.M. Cassandre, Charles Loupot, Paul Colin and Jean Carlu. During the 1930s, Bernard was the only artist within the impressive group to use photomontage. The Cunard Line was one of the largest and most prestigious companies running ships between Europe and the United States. This exceedingly rare poster combines an impeccable stylization of an ocean liner, with a sophisticated airbrush background of white smoke, a globe, with the Americas outlined in white, and a photomontage of a man waving the vessel off. A daring and modernist image, it qualifies as one of the best travel posters of the 1930s and also one of the rarest. Weill p. 211.