PAUL COLIN (1892-1985) LE TUMULTE NOIR. Portfolio complete with 22 plates, two covers and two chemises. 1927.
18 1/2x12 1/2 inches, 47x31 3/4 cm. [H. Chachoin, Paris.]
Condition varies, generally B+ / A-: water staining and wear on front cover; tears, staining, creases and soiling on second cover; minor creases and light staining on some plates.
The Tumulte Noir is a luxurious portfolio consisting of 42 original lithographs by Colin, all hand-colored in pochoir, an elaborate procedure involving stencils for each color. An advertisement in the program from the Bal Nègre makes it clear that this album was designed for and sold at this special one-night event, which was Colin's brainchild and tribute to the "Black Craze" of Paris. Only 500 copies were printed, and each portfolio includes a facsimile of a letter of introduction written by Josephine Baker, a preface by Rip (the satirist George Thenon) and a sort of calligram in the shape of a palm tree by Colin. The album is divided into two parts, the first of which is dedicated to Josephine Baker and black musicians and dancers. Exquisitely stylized, drawn with a free hand, full of wit, movement and invention, it encapsulates Paul Colin at his very best. The second part is a satire of Paris under the spell of the Charleston rage. Following in the steps and the style of Sem, Colin depicts in funny (and sometimes cruel) satire the Parisian music hall stars of the moment. His subjects included Mistinguett, Maurice Chevalier, Cecile Sorel, the Dolly Sisters, as well as the chansonniers Rip and Saint-Granier, a Cubist Jean Borlin of the Ballet Suédois, and even the tennis champion Suzanne Lenghen. It is very rare to find this portfolio complete (in addition to the edition of 500, 10 copies were printed on Japan paper and 10 others on Madagascar Vellum), as most existing copies have been broken up. This copy is not only complete, but it also has a double cover and the rarely-seen insert bearing the French advisory "there is no advertising page in this album."