Triptych PLM: vers le Mont-Blanc
Triptych PLM: towards Mont-Blanc by Géo Dorival in 1928
- Year : 1925
- Condition : excellent
- Presentation : on linen
- Poster designer : Géo Dorival
- Printer : Lucien Serre, Paris
- Printing process : lithography
The triptych Vers le Mont-Blanc stands as one of the most iconic masterpieces of early 20th-century railway advertising art. Created in 1928 by the French poster artist Géo Dorival at the request of the Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée (PLM) railway company, this set of three posters strikingly illustrates the rise of Alpine tourism made possible by the expansion of the rail network.
Each panel of the triptych offers a stylized view of Mont Blanc, seen from the tracks of the Saint-Gervais-les-Bains tramway ascending toward the Col de Voza. Dorival depicts three distinct atmospheres, each capturing a key moment of the day: the bright light of midday, the gentle hues of dusk, and the mysterious depth of night. The compositions feature a refined Art Deco aesthetic: dynamic lines, bold color blocks, and geometric treatment of forms together create a visually powerful ensemble.
With this bold graphic language, Dorival breaks away from the more illustrative style of Belle Époque travel posters. Instead, he offers a true visual narrative in which the train journey becomes an immersive and poetic experience. The upward sweep of the railway leading toward the summit symbolizes both the technical achievement of the PLM network and the irresistible allure of the Alpine peaks.
Vers le Mont-Blanc thus embodies the fusion of modern graphic design and promotional strategy. A true icon of railway visual heritage, the triptych remains highly sought after by collectors and continues to captivate Art Deco enthusiasts.
- Year
- 1925
- Poster designer
- Géo Dorival
- Vintage poster
- original
- Printer
- Lucien Serre, Paris
- Printing process
- lithography
- Actual size (inches)
- 30 X 41 inches
- Condition
- excellent
- Presentation
- on linen
- Region
- Mont-Blanc
- Quantity
- 3