Profane is the essence of this fantastic poster by Grun, created for the opening of the new cabaret Bal Tabarin at the corner of Rue Pigalle and Victor Masse. More than any other artist, Grun captured the essence of the Naughty Nineties, "full of insouciant flirts, lascivious old gentlemen on the make and unrestrained fun." (Rennert, Posters of the Belle Epoque, p.136). This classic adds an unusual element, that of the Black caricature wearing a derby, which only adds to the irreverence of the image. Even the lettering gets into the act, with the words appearing between the coquette's legs like a hobby horse, accentuating the playful tipsiness of the poster.
This classic is one of the most elusive and sought after of Grun's posters - it is the first time we have acquired it. Bottoms up!