Rare, first edition poster dated 1936 in outstanding, original condition. Conservation linen mounted, ready for framing.  Overall size: 48 x 33 inches (122 x 84 cm). The ultimate transatlantic ocean liner, SS Normandie’s purpose was threefold: to be the largest liner afloat (over 60,000 tons and 1,000 feet long), to be the fastest and, thirdly, to be an extraordinary floating example of ‘everything French’ – from food to decor to style and fashion. Designed in Streamline Moderne style, Normandie’s luxurious interiors were created by architect Pierre Patout (1879-1965), one of the founding figures of the Art Deco movement. Design elements famously included works by René Lalique, Jean Dunand, Paul Follot and other luminaries of the Parisian interior design world of the 1920s and 1930s.  

Normandie was in New York in 1939 at the outbreak of World War II. She was intended to be refitted as a troop carrier, and most of the interior fittings were removed. A fire broke out during the works, and during the attempt to extinguish it, she flooded with water and partially sank. It proved impossible to right her, and Normandie was eventually scrapped in 1946.

Note: This poster was purchased in 2019 from International Poster Gallery which is owned and operated by renowned poster expert James Lapides.  This is one of the "gold standard" names in poster collecting.  The original sales receipt will accompany this piece, in addition to my certificate of authenticity.