Pair Of Theater Gouaches By Lucien Bertaux (1905-1971) - Collection Christian Giudicelli

Rare and seductiveset of two theater costume studies by Lucien Bertaux, an artist emblematic of the world of music hall, the Parisian stage and the decorative arts in the 20th century. Executed in gouache on paper, these compositions elegantly testify to Bertaux's refined talent for character creation, chromatic harmony and a sense of theatrical detail.

The first work depicts an elegant revue dandy, dressed in a spectacular yellow jacket paired with plaid pants in orange and blue hues, embellished with a monocle, cane and matching flower in the buttonhole. The silhouette, very much in the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, immediately evokes the great Parisian music-hall productions and the sophisticated aesthetics of the shows of the interwar period. Produced on black paper, this gouache reveals all the artist's graphic virtuosity and remarkable sense of contrast.

The second study shows an 18th-century nobleman in a richly ornamented purple costume, with powdered wig, jabot and sword. This composition, of great decorative finesse, perfectly illustrates Bertaux's taste for historical reconstructions intended for theater and opera. The work is signed in ink in the lower right-hand corner and bears on the reverse the stamp of "Reine Costumier", a famous Parisian house specializing in stage costumes.

A renowned costume designer and set designer, Lucien Bertaux has worked for theater, music hall, fashion and advertising. He notably collaborated with Joséphine Baker, for whom he created several stage costumes. In 1932, he designed the costumes for Rip's revue "Le Progrès s'amuse", directed by Edmond Roze. He also produced posters and advertising designs for major fashion houses, and exhibited at the Salon de la Société des Artistes Français. His work vividly reflects Parisian elegance and the refined world of twentieth-century entertainment.

These two gouaches come from the collection of writer Christian Giudicelli.

Dimensions of the dandy:
44 x 33 cm sheet
36 x 26 cm sight
55 x 45 cm with frame

Dimensions of the 18th century nobleman:
34 x 22 cm sight
55 x 45 cm with frame

Beautiful overall condition. Wooden frames with linen mats.