Art Deco Circa 1930 Boris O’Klein “Sex Appeal!” Hand-Colored Etching

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A wonderfully irreverent circa 1930 hand-colored etching and aquatint by Russian-born French artist Boris O’Klein (1893–1985), titled “Sex Appeal!” From … Read more A wonderfully irreverent circa 1930 hand-colored etching and aquatint by Russian-born French artist Boris O’Klein (1893–1985), titled “Sex Appeal!” From O’Klein’s celebrated series of humorous Parisian dog scenes, the work depicts an elegant female dog in a red bow leading a procession of admiring canine suitors.

O’Klein became known for his witty anthropomorphic portrayals of dogs behaving very much like their human counterparts. Here, a wonderfully varied cast—including terriers, dachshunds, bulldogs and other breeds—creates a playful social satire with unmistakable Parisian humor.

Titled “Sex Appeal!” in pencil at lower left and signed Boris O’Klein in pencil at lower right. The upper margin bears the printed publisher’s copyright, “Ducher & Mathieu, 35 Avenue de l’Opéra, Paris.” Selective hand coloring in shades of red and warm brown punctuates the finely rendered black and gray composition.

Presented under glass in a simple later frame. The paper displays overall toning, foxing and age-related discoloration consistent with its age. Please review photographs closely for condition. Due to the reflective glass, some photographs show reflections and shadows, including those of the photographer’s hands; these are not marks or discoloration on the artwork.

A witty and highly decorative example of O’Klein’s work with particular appeal for collectors of French art, canine imagery and early 20th-century works on paper. See less