Description
Artwork Description
At the center of the composition stands a female performer whose costume resembles a butterfly’s vibrant wings, evoking freedom, beauty, and transformation. The use of rich, vivid colors and flowing lines reflects the theatrical elegance of the 1920s while staying rooted in the decorative tradition of Art Nouveau. The character’s movement and poise suggest a sense of fantasy and allure, making the poster both eye-catching and emotionally expressive.
Historical Context
The poster was created to promote a production at Théâtre Tokio, a notable venue in Brussels. The show starred several prominent figures of the time, including France Dhelia, Jean Toulout, Suzanne Balco, Gaston Jacquet, and G. Gerlys. The visual style captures the optimism and creativity of post-WWI Europe, especially within the performing arts, where fashion, modernism, and classic theatrical traditions converged.
Details
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Title: Le Papillon de Paris (The Butterfly of Paris)
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Year: 1924
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Style: Art Nouveau, European retro, Theater & Cinema
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Venue: Théâtre Tokio, Brussels
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Lead Performers: France Dhelia, Jean Toulout, Suzanne Balco, Gaston Jacquet, G. Gerlys
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Technique: Lithograph
Significance and Popularity
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A vivid representation of 1920s European theater design
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Showcases the grace, fashion, and symbolic storytelling of Art Nouveau
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A highly collectible and historically significant example of vintage theatrical advertising
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Reflects the glamour and artistic spirit of interwar European culture
Ideal Decorative Piece For
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Enthusiasts of theater, cinema, and stage history
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Admirers of Art Nouveau and early 20th-century European aesthetics
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Collectors of vintage posters and graphic design history
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Interiors that blend retro elegance with artistic sophistication
This poster is more than a promotional image—it is a work of art that captures the soul of an era, the allure of the stage, and the delicate magic of a butterfly in motion.
