The 1950 original poster by Albert Brenet titled "Vers la France" for the Compagnie Maritime des Chargeurs Réunis represents a pivotal period in France’s postwar recovery and the resurgence of its maritime industry. Designed to promote the prestigious French shipping company, this poster served as both a symbol of France's return to global prominence in trade and transport, as well as a call to explore the world aboard French vessels.
The Compagnie Maritime des Chargeurs Réunis was a key player in international shipping and passenger transport, and this poster was intended to inspire confidence and excitement in travelers and traders alike. Post-World War II, the company sought to reaffirm its place in global shipping, capitalizing on France’s rejuvenated economy and its need to reconnect with the world.
Albert Brenet, renowned for his work that often focused on transportation and travel, used his artistic talents to elevate the image of the Compagnie Maritime des Chargeurs Réunis. His mastery of capturing movement and modernity played a crucial role in creating a sense of excitement around the company's services, whether for cargo transport or passenger journeys.
The slogan "Vers la France" (Toward France) embodies the spirit of postwar optimism and national pride, appealing to both French citizens and international travelers looking to experience or reconnect with France. This simple yet powerful message suggests that, through the company’s fleet, France itself is the destination, symbolizing its cultural and economic importance.
Though much of Brenet’s work focused on the technical and practical aspects of transportation, this poster also reflects the broader ambitions of the French maritime industry during the 1950s. It showcases France’s efforts to re-establish its maritime routes and engage with the world through commerce and tourism, providing a reliable and prestigious service that could once again position the country as a leader in international shipping.
Brenet’s poster is an enduring representation of the postwar era’s renewed sense of purpose in France, embodying the country’s maritime tradition and global aspirations. This work is highly regarded by collectors for its historical significance and remains a symbol of the strength and resilience of the French maritime industry during a key period in the nation’s history.
Original poster
Maritime company - Paris
Café de la Paix - Opéra Garnier
llustration Bobigny
Good condition
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