258 - Léonard-Tsuguharu Foujita (Japanese, 1886–1968)

Léonard-Tsuguharu Foujita (Japanese, 1886–1968) 4th Ball of the / AAAA / Long Hair / Costume / and Wig Contest [...] / Organized by the Aide Amicale aux Artistes. Poster. 1926. Lithograph. [790 x 1205 mm]. Color print. Very fine print on thin vellum, with very fresh colors; mounted on board. Minor thinning visible through the paper. A few small spots. A fine vertical black line between the legs (resulting from the printing process). Another less pronounced horizontal line across the torso and a few other lighter ones in places. A long, thin tear (barely noticeable) across the word “Galette.” A horizontal fold down the center of the sheet at the level of the date. A few short tears along the edges. All margins intact. AABM stamp (Lugt 3075). This promotional poster announces the legendary “4th Ball of the A.A.A.A.” (Aide Amicale aux Artistes), held at the famous Moulin de la Galette in Paris. There were at least eight editions of this annual ball during the Roaring Twenties (primarily from 1923 to 1930). This one features a festive costume and wig contest, which perfectly captures the cultural effervescence and bohemian eccentricity of the era. Other artists (Friesz, Marie Vasilieff, Utrillo, Suzanne Valadon, Jacqueline Marval, Rodo-Pissarro, and Paul-Émile Pissarro) took turns creating posters for the balls.