SNCF Paris Notre Dame et le pont Saint-Louis 1950

This evocative 1950 original travel poster by Albert Marquet was commissioned by the SNCF (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français) to promote Paris as a timeless destination accessible by train.

The artwork captures the majestic silhouette of Notre Dame Cathedral viewed from the banks of the Seine with Pont Saint-Louis gracefully arching into view. Rendered in Marquet’s distinctive Fauvist-inflected realism, the scene combines subtle greys and muted greens with fluid brushwork, evoking the poetic tranquillity of Paris on an overcast morning.

Albert Marquet (1875-1947) was a renowned French painter and close friend of Henri Matisse. Although associated with the Fauves for his expressive colourism, his mature works focused on serene urban and riverside landscapes. His paintings of Paris and its bridges remain some of the most atmospheric depictions of the city in early modern art, capturing fleeting light, architectural rhythm, and calm river reflections.

Printed by Draeger, this poster exemplifies SNCF’s refined mid-century travel campaigns, which frequently collaborated with France’s leading artists to elevate railway advertising into high art. Marquet’s composition not only promoted train travel but also underscored the cultural prestige and aesthetic grandeur awaiting travellers upon their arrival in Paris.

Today, this poster is sought after by collectors for its artistic pedigree, authentic period printing, and ability to transport viewers directly into the poetic heart of post-war Paris.

Tourism - Railway - France

Printed by Draeger

Good condition