Les Dancings. Dance Clubs. by Marcel Vertes, 1895-1961

Marcel Vertes, 1895-1961
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Les Dancings. Dance Clubs.

Original lithograph in colours. 1924. Signed in pencil. Extremely rare signed proof before the addition of the lettering lower left. (One of c.15 impressions only in this form). Subsequently issued in an edition of 100 impressions with the lettering as the cover sheet for the series of 12 lithographs in colour 'Les Dancings'. Published by Gustave Pellet, Paris 1925.

Extremely fine impressions with excellent fresh colours. On pale cream laid Arches paper. Excellent condition. Full margins including the deckle edge. Printed to the full sheet size, as issued. Sheet: 24 3/8 x 17 3/4ins (624x452mm)

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If Lautrec and Steinlen were the chroniclers of society nightlife in the 1890?s and the 1900?s then Vertès was the equivalent?artist-reporter? of the era of Paris in the 1920?s. At this period his drawing had a wit and style which perfectly reflects the era, both its panache and its excesses.

Vertès finest graphic work of the 1920?s was the series of twelve lithographs that he drew for Gustave Pellet in 1924 under the title ?Les Dancings. Dance Clubs?. They are handled with consummate style and humour. The composition above was drawn to be the cover lithograph for the set of prints. In the issued edition it has the lettering of the tittle of the set, etc. This impression is a very scarce proof before the lettering was added. It sums-up not only the set of lithographs but also the whole style and élan of Vertès art at its best.

Vertès was Hungarian by birth but moved to Paris immediately after the First War. He was instantly absorbed by the Parisian art and social world. He made his first name with images for the illustrated magazines of the day but within a short time was greatly sought-after for his drawings and paintings.