Original Invitation to the Guitarist's Art Show

An extremely rare original invitation to a post-war exhibition of paintings by the celebrated and influential jazz guitarist, from March 14 to April 15, 1947 at "Galérie Constellation" at the "Boeuf sur le Toit" club in Paris. Although of course best known for his innovative technique and for developing a distinctive gypsy jazz style of guitar playing, Reinhardt also enjoyed painting and held two exhibitions of his art - simple, rather naive, brightly-colored oils of landscapes and nudes - in the 1940's to 50's. This was his first show, in tandem with Etienne Bloch, his manager and friend, who had also introduced him to painting. During the exhibition, Reinhardt's orchestra was also in residence at the "Boeuf sur le Toit."

The invitation features a simple drawing of Reinhardt (with guitar) and Bloch (with pipe and paintbrush) on the recto, and a list of the exhibited works and a short text in French on the verso. In part: " 'Is painting difficult?' asked Django, watching [Etienne] work... 'No more than playing the guitar or composing music. You draw what you want to represent, and then you put in the colors that you feel. That's all!' "

21 x 13.5 cm. (13723)

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Ephemera

Program, unsigned

Jazz

Art & Design

• Sold