Baker, Josephine. (1906–1975)
Signed Self-Portrait Drawing in her famous banana skirt
A rare early autograph signature from the legendary entertainer, who has penned a stick-figure self-portrait of herself attired in her banana skirt from her performance in 'La Folie du Jour,' released just two months after the date of this drawing. This is the only self-portrait drawing we have ever seen from Baker! On a small album leaf, dated Munich, February 17, 1929. Some light toning, one edge slightly rough; overall fine. 5.25 x 4 inches (13.5 x 10 cm).Her famous banana skirt is unforgettably described by Phyllis Rose as looking, when she danced, "like perky, good-natured phalluses" in "jiggling motion." (Phyllis Rose, "Josephine Baker in Her Time," p. 97) Already an established marquee draw at the Parisian cabaret music hall Folies Bergere, Baker’s popularity soared even further in the following years, with the 1931 release of ‘J'ai deux amours,’ the most successful song of her career. Baker was most noted as a singer, while in her early career she was a celebrated dancer. She was given the nicknames the "Black Venus" or the "Black Pearl", as well as the "Créole Goddess" in anglophone nations, while in France she has always been known in the old theatrical tradition as "La Baker." (16650)
Signature Jazz