$40.5
$72.09
Avignon Le Palais Des Papes poster – Roger Broders – 1920 Designed to draw rail passengers into a world of new travel opportunities, this vintage Avignon Le Palais des Papes poster is a compelling example of the hundreds of captivating advertisements created by the French Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée (PLM) railway company. These posters beckoned passengers to explore a wealth of destinations, from historic venues and charming mountain villages to lively seaside resorts – places that, before the railway, remained undiscovered gems, now revealed for all to experience. This particular “City of the Popes” poster was crafted by Roger Broders, a highly influential French illustrator whose career is almost synonymous with his work for the PLM. The railway company famously sponsored Broders’ travels, allowing him to immerse himself in the very places he would then immortalise in his art. Between 1922 and 1932, Broders dedicated himself almost exclusively to poster art, producing fewer than 100 designs, nearly all of them travel-oriented for the PLM network. The destination depicted on this poster, Avignon, is a city globally renowned, not least for the famous French children’s song “Sur le Pont d’Avignon.” Located in southeastern France, within the department of Vaucluse, Avignon sits on the left bank of the Rhône River, its ancient core magnificently enclosed by medieval ramparts. Broders’ illustration vividly features the ruins of the famous Pont Saint-Bénézet, better known today as the Pont d’Avignon, which once physically connected the city of Avignon with the French commune of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. This once vital bridge fell into a state of disrepair primarily due to the powerful Rhône’s floods during the 17th century. By 1644, four arches were already missing, and a catastrophic flood in 1669 swept away even more of the structure. Today, only four of its original arches remain, a testament to its dramatic history. However, it is the majestic Palais des Papes that truly dominates the landscape of Broders’ poster and the city itself. This historic palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, was the powerful seat of Western Christianity during the 14th century. Specifically, from 1309 to 1377, Avignon hosted seven successive popes, a period largely driven by political instability in Rome. From the outside, the Palais des Papes undeniably resembles a formidable fortress, with its massive walls, towering turrets, and battlements – a crucial design for protecting the popes and the Church’s vast wealth during a turbulent era. Adding another layer to PLM’s foresight, the wording at the foot of the poster reads “Circuits automobiles PLM Autotour d’Avignon.” This text promoted PLM’s innovative “Auto Tours,” offering excursions around Avignon by car. Rather than viewing the automobile as a threat to rail travel, PLM cleverly integrated it into their tourism strategy. They recognised that while people might want to explore locally by car, they would still likely prefer the convenient and luxurious rail services for longer journeys. Thus, PLM established or partnered with these services, allowing travellers to reach a hub like Avignon by train, then embark on PLM-organised automobile tours to discover the surrounding region. Original copies of this Avignon Le Palais des Papes poster are becoming increasingly rare, with authentic pieces commanding prices of almost £2,000 as of 2024. For those who appreciate the beauty and historical significance without the hefty price tag, we offer high-quality reproduction posters that faithfully capture the essence of the original artwork, looking superb without breaking the bank. The Avignon Le Palais des Papes poster is a wonderful souvenir which will hold a special place for anyone who has ever visited this captivating town, whether on a day trip, weekend break, or longer holiday. It’s a wonderful reminder of the town’s unique atmosphere and a way to bring a touch of Provençal flair to your home. This poster would be a perfect addition to your office, living room, snug, or kitchen, sparking conversations and igniting memories of this special Avignon town. Order your reproduction Avignon Le Palais des Papes poster today!
France
