Nord Express | 1927

Nord Express, 1927, by Adolphe Mouron Cassandre

This striking Art Deco poster presents a dynamic, low-angle view of a streamlined locomotive in motion. The bold composition features the massive black form of the train sweeping across the frame, accentuated by white highlights and trailing steam. Parallel lines extend from the train’s wheels, converging towards the horizon, creating a strong sense of speed and direction. Overhead, a set of stylised telegraph wires enhances the poster’s geometric structure. The typography integrates seamlessly with the image, with the words "Nord Express" appearing in bold, modernist lettering at the top.

The Nord Express was an international luxury train service operated by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits, connecting Paris to Riga and Saint Petersburg. During the early 20th century, luxury rail travel symbolised modernity, linking European capitals with elegance and efficiency.

Adolphe Mouron Cassandre was a pioneering French-Ukrainian graphic artist known for revolutionising poster design with his bold, abstracted forms and striking compositions. Influenced by Cubism and Futurism, he applied a distinctly modern approach to commercial advertising, producing some of the most iconic transport posters of the 20th century. Cassandre’s work for railway companies, including Nord Express and Étoile du Nord, set new standards in graphic design, merging fine art with advertising. Beyond posters, he also worked in typography, creating the typeface Peignot, and later collaborated with luxury brands such as Yves Saint Laurent.