This is a wonderful original painting executed by the School of Paris painter Boris Solotareff (whose work is in the permanent collection of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, among others). He went to Paris in the early 1920’s and associated himself with famous people in the theater (in one catalogue there is an illustration of a portrait of Igor Stravinsky that he painted). Many of his works executed in Paris were of people in the theater, famous opera singers, dancers, directors and pianists of that time. This beautiful watercolor executed in a manner so calming with the soft brown skin tones the red ruby lips that are so soothing, revealing the true beauty of Josephine Baker off the stage.According to Josephine Baker's son, Jean-Claude Baker, this portrait was done around the time Josephine shot the movie "Zou Zou," a personal favorite movie of Josephine's. A floral corsage accents an asymmetrical background in this pensive and dramatic "Petit maitre" portrait of Josephine Baker. On the back there is also another line drawing with the estate stamp of the artist Boris Solotareff. Provenance: Estate of Louise Bauer Parry, 1986 Private Collection.

Art (paintings, prints, frames)
Figures & Portraits