Dolly (I Love You!), Original Color Lithographic Poster by Clérice Frères, France, 1922

Details

Description

This refined original color lithograph was created in 1922 by the clérice frères (charles and justin clérice) for the three-act … Read more This refined original color lithograph was created in 1922 by the clérice frères (charles and justin clérice) for the three-act operetta "dolly (i love you)", featuring music by felix fourdrain and lyrics by h. De gorsse and v. Darlay. This piece is an exceptional iconographic document celebrating the effervescence of the "roaring twenties" in paris.

composition and artistic details
the illustration perfectly captures the energy of french variety theater:
subjects: in the foreground, two women showcase the elegance of the era: one seated in a finely decorated mint-green dress, the other standing in a draped red/coral gown, accented by a sophisticated feather in her hair. A man in a tuxedo, standing on a red striped sofa, emphasizes the scene with theatrical flair.
background: a jazz band animates the composition, led by an energetic drummer with distinctive orange hair, symbolizing the american musical influence in post-war paris.
signatures and marks: the work is signed in the plate by clérice frères in the lower-left corner. The publisher's mark "choudens ed. Paris" is visible on the lower-right edge.

technical specifications and condition
condition: grade b+. The poster is linen-backed, a professional conservation treatment that ensures long-term stability and makes it ready for framing.
dimensions: height 118 cm x width 76 cm.
technique: large-format color lithography on linen-backed paper.

clérice frères: masters of parisian illustration
the clérice frères studio was one of the most prolific and influential names in french advertising art between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Founded by charles clérice (1860–1912) and continued by his family, the studio became synonymous with parisian elegance.
specialization: they were the undisputed masters of sheet music covers and theatrical posters.
stylistic evolution: their work marks the crucial transition between the belle époque and art deco movements.
collaborations: they worked with the most important music publishers of the era, such as choudens, capturing the vibrant essence of parisian nightlife.
iconography: their posters are celebrated for the dynamic movement of the figures and a bold, lively use of color.
legacy: today, their works are held in prestigious international institutions (such as the musée carnavalet in paris) and remain highly sought after by collectors of vintage graphic art. This piece has an attribution mark,
i am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
issues arising from misattribution See less