1930s Parisian Ballerinas Post Impressionist Original Oil on Canvas Signed Marcel Cosson

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About the artwork: This post-impressionist painting depicts ballerinas meeting wealthy men after a performance in a private foyer de la … Read more About the artwork: This post-impressionist painting depicts ballerinas meeting wealthy men after a performance in a private foyer de la danse at the Opéra de Paris. A highbrow event these days, in the 19th century, ballet was the height of erotic experience, so rich gentlemen paid for the privilege of socializing with the dancers. The ballerinas’ nude arms, exposed legs and variety of alluring positions spurred some admirers to sponsor their favorite dancer in exchange for her becoming his mistress and bolstering his prestige. This picture captures a graceful moment in this somewhat secret world, one hidden behind the footlights. It is set in a handmade bronzed, filigreed and gilded wood frame ready to hang. Painting dimensions without frame = 12 x 17 1/2 inches

Les Danseuses au Foyer de L’Opéra
Signed lower left COSSON

About the Artist: Jean-Louis-Marcel COSSON (1878-1956) was born in Bordeaux, France, and lived and worked in Paris. Widely exhibited in his time, Cosson won an honorable mention at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1901 and a third-place medal in 1911. The Salon de la Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts and Salon des Tuileries also exhibited his work. A post-impressionist in technique and style, Cosson painted the lives and lifestyles of Parisians at the theatre, ballet, circus and cabaret.

Provenance:
Private collection – New York
Private collection – Paris

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