Lot 303: Le Chat Noir. 1922.

Le Chat Noir. 1922.The line of text beneath the name of the weekly humor magazine that spills across the advertisement like an errant strand of spun fiber roughly translates as "Unwind you nerves like a ball of yarn." However, if the woman in the design is any indication, reading the Black Cat hasn't done her much good as her world-as portrayed by Desbarbieux-looks to have come unhinged in rather spectacular fashion. Perhaps it's a promotional case of "Do as I say, not as I do." Regardless,this nail-biter's domicile is a cacophonous wonder, filled with jagged shadows, an aurora borealis of unease and an ebon feline determined to fray the poor woman's last good nerve. The Bibliotheque Nationale describes Desbarbieux as a "dessinateur humoriste." Call him what you will-his poster for this publication is nothing short of genius.
H. DESBARBIEUX

46 1/2 x 61 1/8 in./118.2 x 155.2 cm

1922.0

B+/ Slight tears at folds and edges.

PRINTER
Gredes, Paris