This vibrant and elegantly composed poster by Albert Brenet, circa 1955, promotes the Compagnie Maritime des Chargeurs Réunis.
The poster captures a moment of leisurely luxury aboard the Claude Bernard, a liner that operated between 1948 and 1956. The image presents an image of French elegance, with stylishly dressed passengers basking in the sun on the ship’s deck, enjoying beverages and lively conversation while the liner looms majestically in the background.
The Claude Bernard was emblematic of the Chargeurs Réunis' dual role as a carrier of both goods and high-class passengers, reflecting a deliberate image of sophistication and luxury. The company, traditionally focused on the transatlantic transport of cargo, embraced this refined aesthetic, reportedly influenced by the glamorous wife of the company's chairman, known as "the most beautiful woman in Europe." Her influence can be seen in the portrayal of stylish, modern women who exude effortless grace.
Albert Brenet’s distinctive style brings dynamism and life to the scene, with fluid brushstrokes and vivid colors capturing both the leisure of the passengers and the grand presence of the liner. This poster not only promotes the shipping company but also conveys an idealized vision of French class and joie de vivre, aligning with other iconic works of the period, such as René Gruau’s celebrated Relax poster, which also elevated the Chargeurs Réunis' image as purveyors of elegance on the high seas.