POSTER: PAUL COLIN (1892-1986) PEUGEOT. 1935. 62x46 inches. Bedos, Paris.

PAUL COLIN (1892-1986) PEUGEOT. 1935.
62 1/2x46 1/2 inches. Bedos, Paris.
Condition B / B+: creases and wrinkles along vertical and horizontal folds; abrasions and restoration in image. Framed.
Colin dedicated the majority of his time and talent to the Parisian music halls, and became the most famous artist in that field. In the 1920s his name became inextricably linked with that of Josephine Baker and other early jazz performers who were part of the tumulte noir that was sweeping across Paris. He accepted far fewer commercial assignments than theatrical ones, but when he did, he proved that his exceptional talent was well suited for that aspect of advertising as well. For Peugeot he provides a streamlined, almost futuristic vision. Along a country road, two cars pass each other. The vehicles themselves are represented as blurred, hurtling objects, and on either side of the road the trees sway and blur together in a further indication of the incredible acceleration of the two automobiles (even some of the shadows of the trees are bending). The idea is clever, and the execution is sublime. It is substantially more compelling than the usual posters designed for Peugeot by the DAM agency (see lot 125), which amply highlights the difference between artistic genius and straightforward advertising know-how. Modern Poster 173, Auto Show I 79.