Claudine
Artist
L. Lucien Faure
Date1902
MediumLithograph
Dimensions54 1/2 x 38 1/2 in. (138.4 x 97.8 cm)
ClassificationsPoster
Credit LinePoster House Permanent Collection
Object numberPH.7906
DescriptionThe Algerian-born French actress and singer Émilie Marie Bouchard, known by her stage name “Polaire,” is the focus of this poster, promoting the first two books in Colette’s Claudine series, Claudine at School (1900) and Claudine in Paris (1901). Polaire appeared in the title role in a 1902 production of Claudine at School based on the book at the Theatre des Bouffes Parisien, her famously tiny waist concealed by a school uniform, and it made her a celebrity. The series about a lively, intelligent girl, who tells her story in dairy form from the age of 15 onward, was hugely successful and inspired not only plays like this one but also clothing and cosmetics. While the novels were published under the pen name of Colette’s first husband, Henry Gauthier-Villars, better known as “Willy,” after his death, Colette had his name legally removed from the books. L. Lucien Faure also designed posters for such products as Peugeot cycles, Strock cycles, and the Canadian Empire Typewriter.On View
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