JEAN DOMINIQUE VAN CAULERT (1897-1979) JOSEPHINE BAKER / COLUMBIA. 1938. 62 1/2x43 3/4 inches. H. Chachoin, Paris. B+: expert overpainting and restoration in image and text; restoration at edges. Van Caulert's poster career began in the late 1930s. He dedicated himself to the stars of the Music Halls, working only for the biggest names: Marie Dubas, Lyse Gauty, Mistinguett, etc. He primarily employed chalk and pastels to create his realistic portraits. Curvy and sensuous, with little reminiscence of Art Deco (except for the clear typography), his "vision" is typical of what would become the "1940s" style. In addition to her sensational live performances, Baker also recorded music for sale on albums. For years she had been under contract with Columbia (see Swann Modernist Poster Auction #2006, lot 41), and continued working with them through the 1930s. This is one of the rarest posters dedicated to her.
