Description
French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) — Cavaillès, 1953
Jules Cavaillès captures the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur / Cote d Azur) as a radiant, almost dreamlike harbor scene, where saturated color and loose, expressive brushwork evoke heat, light, and movement. The composition looks outward from a terrace toward a marina filled with masts and reflections, animated by small figures and gently shifting boats. Created for SNCF in 1953, this English-language version reflects a targeted appeal to international travelers discovering the Mediterranean coast in the postwar era. Its painterly, near-naïve style distinguishes it from more graphic railway posters, giving it a distinctly modern, artistic presence.
Details
Original stone lithograph
Artist: Jules Cavaillès (1901–1977)
Printer: Perceval, Paris
Date: 1953
Issued by: SNCF (French National Railways)
Language: English version (rarer variant)
Origin: France
Subject: French Riviera marina scene
Condition
Excellent condition with strong, vibrant color. Professionally archival linen-backed, presenting beautifully with no distracting flaws.
Dimensions & Framing
Linen-backed and ready to frame
Dimensions: Standard original poster size (exact measurements available upon request)
Provenance & Background
Produced during the golden age of postwar travel promotion, this poster reflects SNCF’s efforts to attract an international audience to the Côte d’Azur. Cavaillès, associated with the “Peintres de la Réalité Poétique,” brought a painter’s sensibility to commercial work, favoring color harmony and atmosphere over strict realism. The English-language version was issued in smaller numbers, making it notably less common than its French counterpart.
Authenticity
This is an original vintage lithograph, not a reproduction. Printed in 1953 by Perceval, Paris for SNCF. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The Vintage Poster is an IVPDA-certified dealer and guarantees authenticity.
Purchase & Shipping
Available for immediate purchase. Ships professionally packed and fully insured. Worldwide shipping available.
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