Artist: GEO HAM (Georges Hamel, 1900-1972) Size: 31 1/8 x 46 1/2 in./79 x 118 cm Imp. Monégasque, Monte-Carlo “Geo Ham’s 1936 poster brilliantly depicts the battle between Germans and Italians in the Monaco race. Here a stylish Auto Union GL, the first of the rear-engine racecars, leads a red Alfa Romeo through an extremely tight turn. The masterful portrayal of the intense competition at the races is wonderfully contrasted to the normally serene harbor and city. Ham’s orange-tinted course amplifies the heat of the race and his white speed lines accentuate the velocity of the cars . . . here again are Ham’s signature palm tree and scarf blowing in the wind” (Monaco, p. 30). In 1936 it was a real race again, and in the hard rain -- with one car losing oil -- cars were spinning all over the place. Chiron, Fagioli and Nuvolari were the casualties; Rudi Caraccioli, driving for the German team, managed to nurse his Mercedes through to win.

A. Framed.