Lot 16: Josephine Baker/Diva Prismatic.

Josephine Baker/Diva Prismatic.
LUCIEN BERTAUX (1905-?)

Hand-signed watercolor and ink costume design on board.
The celebrated entertainer and singer protested racism in her own fashion, adopting twelve multiethnic orphans, whom she called her "Rainbow Tribe." However, her prismatic sensibilities appear to have extended into her on-stage fashion as well, amply demonstrated in this Bertaux design that sets forth the Black Venus in full command, every inch a diva and in love with every single star-spangled inch.

21 x 16 in./40.6 x 53.4 cm