PAUL COLIN (1892-1985) MAYA. 1927. 23 1/4x15 1/4 inches, 59x37 3/4 cm. H. Chachoin, Paris. Condition B: light residual mildew staining overall; repaired tears in margins; repaired pin holes in corners. Maya was the title character of a play about a prostitute from Marseilles; the play was a hit worldwide (except in New York where it was judged as immoral and was censored). Colin's layout for the poster can be seen as a literalization of certain themes in the play: for example, the division of the image into two sides as indicating Maya's double life, and the three sketches of her as symbolizing the many facets of her troubled and complicated character. It is a strong, stylized image, with subtle coloring except for the dramatic red used for her coat, hair and the title. This is the smaller format. Colin 9, Theatreplakate 178 (var).
