THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN
Parisian nightclubs of the 1930s were legendarily exotic. Their floor shows designed by artists like Erte (Romain de Tirtoff - 1892 - 1990) drew audiences from around the World. Little survives except dress designs but the following 22 lots were designed by Erte for the Bal Tabarin in Montmartre between 1933 and 1952 when Pierre Sandrini, the owner died. .
Pierre Sandrini was the son of the Prima Ballerina Emma Sandrini. His floor shows introduced ballet sequences. Erte's contribution was in the form of elegant and amusing costumes which formed spectacular tableaux. There was a new show each year and other "attractions/spectacles" sketches built around various themes and each based on an individual idea, they were very different from other reviews. They consisted of tableaux of flowers, furs, jewellery, feather, or reminiscences of famous historical characters such as Catherine the Great, Cleopatra and Madame de Pompadour. The most successful ballets were "Metal", with costumes made out of metal and "Le Poeme". "Paradise Lost" was dressed in animal designs.
Poulenc said of Erte in an interview for the French Magazine Opera, May 28, 1947: "I asked Erte - the magician of the Bal Tabarin - to design the costume and decor because for him 1912 is not a reconstruction but a souvenir since at that time he was working in Paris as a dress designer. Erte has surpassed my expections and has give a nobility of style to an epoch normally regarded with sarcasm by the younger generation"
A 'panther' costume, embroidered with gold sequins, infilled with black velveteen spots to simulate panther skin, comprising bodice with integral train, a pair of sleeves and a head-dress, 1930's (4)
Details
A 'panther' costume, embroidered with gold sequins, infilled with black velveteen spots to simulate panther skin, comprising bodice with integral train, a pair of sleeves and a head-dress, 1930's (4)