The circa 1920 original poster by Trianon Trinquier, titled Paris-Milan via Frasne-Vallorbe, promotes the Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée (PLM) railway line, highlighting it as "la plus courte voie" or "the shortest route" for luxury and rapid travel between Paris and Milan. This stunning visual piece showcases the international route, with stops and landmarks stretching across picturesque regions of France, Switzerland, and Italy.
Designed to entice travelers of the early 20th century, the map combines bold typography and a detailed landscape view that captures the mountainous terrain of the Alps and key locations along the line. In the background, major European cities like Paris, Milan, and London are marked, emphasizing the PLM network’s reach across Western Europe. Towns and regions like Geneva, Lausanne, Chamonix, Montreux, and Domodossola are also noted, adding to the allure of an exotic yet accessible European tour.
The geographical highlights of this route include renowned landmarks such as the Mont Blanc mountain range, Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), and Lake Maggiore (Lac Majeur), visually depicted to guide travelers along their journey from Paris through the scenic landscapes of Frasne and Vallorbe to Milan. The Simplon Tunnel is also marked as a feat of engineering, representing the PLM railway's commitment to speed and convenience through cutting-edge infrastructure.
The artwork’s color palette is dominated by earthy tones, which contrast the snow-covered peaks of the Alps and blue lakes, evoking the natural beauty and grandeur of the route. The style of the poster is typical of the period, combining both Art Nouveau and early Art Deco influences with a functional map layout and expressive, bold design elements.
Trianon Trinquier, the artist behind this poster, captured the spirit of travel as both an adventure and a luxury experience. Such posters were instrumental in advertising the allure of train journeys at a time when rail travel was the preferred mode of transport for the upper class and aspiring travelers alike. This poster not only offered a glimpse of the journey but also conveyed the prestige and elegance associated with the PLM railway's deluxe and rapid trains.
Collectors prize this piece not only for its aesthetic appeal but also as a historical document that captures the era’s fascination with speed, technology, and the romance of European travel. It reflects a time when train journeys were celebrated, and each route offered a unique connection to the cultural and natural landscapes of Europe.
Original Poster
Railway - Tourism
P.L.M. - Waped Rapid and Luxury Trains - Geneva - Evian - Chamonix - Alps - Simplon - Interlaken - Dieppe
Cornille & Serre Paris
Good condition, traces of folds, restored tears
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