#open road
Philippossian Automobiles. 1920. Charles Loupot.
50 ¾ x 35 3/8 in./128.8 x 90 cm
A flame-haired Femme Fatale, dressed in black, launches this midnight-blue beast of an auto into the foggy night: a masterpiece! Exceptionally rare, this poster finds Loupot at the absolute apex of his transition period between Switzerland and France, between domestic traditionalism and aggressive Modernist experimentation. According to Loupot’s son, Jean-Marie, until this point Loupot was hired by printers; this was likely his first direct commission from the advertiser (alongside his wildly successful Philippossian Cigarettes, see PAI-LXX, 443). The typeface, with which he’d been experimenting with since at least the previous year (see “Plantol,” PAI-XXI, 270) now achieves a refined state of Deco precision. This poster appears to be the sole remnant of any flirtation the advertiser Charles Philippossian had with the auto industry. However, it’s clear that the brilliance of this piece served as Loupot’s introduction to an entirely new market, as a creator of the new Art Deco aesthetic. In the following years, he’d create superb work for Swiss Grand Prix autos and motorcycles; Austin Tractors; and Voisin Autos, before defining the industrial Art Deco aesthetic at the 1925 Expo, and with classics such as “Stop-Fire.” An important work by this artist. Exceptionally rare.
Post link
Motobécane. ca. 1929. Geo Ham.
46 ¾ x 31 in./118.7 x 78.7 cm
Geo Ham had a need: a need for speed. Known as the “prince of motion,” he is famous today as the illustrator of Monaco Grand Prix posters from 1933 to 1936, as well as motorboat competitions, air meets and aerobatic competitions between the wars. He produced exactly two posters for Motobécane: this one, presumably the earlier of the two: despite the lady’s scarf waving in the breeze, there isn’t quite as much of a kinetic frisson as Ham’s more mature works. The other Ham Motobécane is directly adjacent.
Available at auction June 26. Learn more >>
Post link
I dream of open roads, and moving on. 2015 was a rough one that taught me a lot about love, loss, and regret. It’s been a year of growth and change. I’ve become a better man for all the hardships, and am ready to learn, and grow more.
Post link
Last sunset in Florida before moving to the Pacific North West with my wife. Follow more of my adventures: instagram.com/r4s and erickramirezphotography.com
Post link
purple aurora
Half road © K Reflections
