72 - ALFRED CHOUBRAC (1853–1902)

ALFRED CHOUBRAC (1853–1902) Art Nouveau costume designs for Le Compère and La Commère monogrammed ‘C’ (on the reverse)) watercolour and pencil on paper 33 × 25 cm (each) Alfred Choubrac was one of the leading Parisian costume designers and poster artists of his time. He worked closely with the capital’s revue and music-hall theatres, as well as the Maison Blondel, contributing to the spectacular visual aesthetic of the Belle Époque. La Commère and Le Compère traditionally designate the female and male hosts of a revue, respectively, responsible for introducing the various acts and linking the different scenes. In La Commère, the dress and broad fan-pleated sleeves evoke the floral motifs characteristic of late nineteenth-century aesthetics, while the long stem she holds replaces the traditional baton or marotte of the revue host. Le Compère, with his slender silhouette, elegant suit, geometric hat and oversized bow tie, evokes the eccentric elegance of the Parisian dandy around 1900. This pair belongs to the world of the great Parisian entertainment venues of the Belle Époque, including the Théâtre des Variétés, the Bouffes-Parisiens and the prestigious music-hall cabarets. Upon the buyer’s request, we are pleased to provide a general condition report for the Lot described above. However, as we are not professional conservators or restorers, we strongly advise prospective buyers to conduct their own inspection or consult a specialist or restorer of their choice for a comprehensive professional assessment. Any condition descriptions provided in the catalogue or through any correspondence are for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for a firsthand evaluation. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD ‘AS IS’ IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE PUBLISHED IN THE CATALOGUE.