Nord Express Paris-Varsovie 1927

Cassandre created this striking poster for the Nord Express, a train that connected Paris to Warsaw. The poster exemplifies the Art Deco movement which embraced industrial modernity. After the trauma of World War I, there was a profound desire for progress and connection across Europe. Cassandre, who served in the war, captures the optimism of the interwar period. The Nord Express wasn’t just a train; it was a symbol of unity and progress, binding diverse cultures and economies. The bold, geometric design emphasizes the power and speed of the machine, reflecting a faith in technology as a vehicle for social transformation. Yet this narrative of progress was also fraught. The focus on industry often obscured the labor and social inequalities that fueled it. The poster invites us to consider the complex relationship between technological advancement and human experience, and the ways in which our desires for connection are shaped by historical and social forces.