Cassandre Presented by: James Lindsay III
Biography Adolphe Jean-Marie Mouron, also known as, A.M. Cassandre, was born on January 24th, 1901 in Kharkov, Ukraine. Settled in Paris in 1915. To earn his own living, designed several posters as early as 1921. Influenced from the German School. Nearly all of his early works have been lost. In 1922, moved to his first studio in Paris. Went with the pseudonym Cassandre, sometimes combining with Mouron.
Biography In 1923, completed his first work, “Au Bucheron,” bringing instant fame to him.
This piece was awarded first at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs in 1925, introducing Cassandre to Charles Peignot.
Biography In 1924, married Madeleine Cauvet, settling down in Versailles in 1925. Signed a contract with Hachard and Cie in 1925. Quit Hachard and began to design for the Lille firm, simultaneously designing the typeface, Bifur, casting in the spring of 1929 by Deberny & Peignot.
Biography 1930 Cassandre’s second typeface, Acier, was published by Debern & Peignot. In the same year, founded the Alliance Graphique L.C. (Loupot-Cassandre). Became art director at Alliance Graphique until 1935, where a large number of poster were published.
Biography
Toward the end of 1933, made his debut as a painter for the theater. Taught at the Ecole Nationale des Art Decoratifs and at a graphic arts school on the Rue Ferou in Paris between 1934 and 1935. In 1935, signed an exclusive contract with Draeger Freres for the French editions of his posters. Paysage du Bugey ca. 1968
Biography
In January of 1936, signed a contract with Harper’s Bazaar for the magazine’s covers in New York. Spent the winters of 1936-1938 in New York. Designed many poster projects, however, few were published. After meeting with painter Balthus in 1936, began to easel paint, none to which are extant.
Biography Continued After returning from New York, Cassandre settled back in Paris, divorcing his first wife. Shortly later, joined the army, just in time for WWII. Met Nadine Robinson in 1947 while working on decorative panels in Lyon for the Chamre Syndicale de la Haute Couture Parisienne. Painting remained Cassandre’s main medium up until 1944, also designing sets and costumes for the theater.
Biography Continued
Some theater work included designs for the Paris Opera, the Comédie des Champs-Elysées in Paris and the Monte Carlo Opera. After the war, resumed activities as a graphic artist. Spent six months in Italy in 1948, designing posters in Milan, and experimented with polychrome copper plate engraving. After returning to Paris in the Fall, was asked by organizers of the International Music Fesitval at Aix-en-Provence to design an Italian-syle open-air stage in the courtyard of the Archbishop’s palace, as well as decor and costume. The production was a major success, awarding him the French Legion of Honor.
Biography Continued
In 1950, an exhibition at the Musée des arts Décoratifs revealed Cassandre’s diverse work. Work of his over the past 25 years. Divorced Nadine Robinson in 1954. Even though busy with many designs for theater, still had enough time to carry on with his graphic, typographical, and pictorial work, designing posters, logotypes, and typefaces for Olivetti typewriters in 1959.
Biography Continued After declining the offer to become director of the French Arts Academy at the Villa Medici in Rome, gave up his long time apartment and studio, of which he lived for nearly twenty years. Moved to a town house on the Place Malesherbes. Painted a seires of compositions there, including, “La Frontière.” Promoted to officer of the Legion of Honor in 1962
Biography Continued Retired to the country in 1963 close to Francois Michel, a close friend, in the Bugey region east of Lyon. After 2 years of uncertainty, returned to Paris in 1965. Designed his last poster, 24 Heures. Worked on several canvases, unfortunately never completing them, except for a last Bugey landscape, painted from memory. Created his last typeface, Cassandre and its epigraphic version, Metop.
Biography Continued
In 1967, Cassandre attempted suicide from a severe battle with depression. On June 17th, 1968, Cassandre ended his own life in his apartment in Paris. Henri Mouron, Cassandre’s son, published a book called A.M. Cassandre, in 1984, telling of his father’s life story.
Known Pieces of Work Normandie, 1935
Known Pieces of Work Nord Express, 1927 Étoile du Nord, 1927
Known Pieces of Work Dubo - Dubon - Dubonnet, 1932
Known Pieces of Work Bugatti, 1935
Celtique, 1934 Thomson, 1931
Style
Cassandre’s posters celebrate transport and modern machine technology of his time. Typically Art Deco. Embodies the style of classic design from the late 1920’s to mid 1930’s. Creating posters almost was like telling a story, for example, the serial poster, Dubo - Dubon - Dubonnet.
Typefaces
Cassandre made a variety of typefaces. These include: Bifur, Acier Noir, Peignot, and Metop and the Yves Saint Laurent type that he made in 1963 for their logo. Believed all capitals in his designs were more legible.
Works Cited http://www.cassandre-france.com http://www.artyfactory.com/art_appreciation/graphic_desig ners/cassandre.htm