Piaf, Edith. (1915–1963) & Chevalier, Maurice. (1888–1972) & Mistinguett. (1875–1956) & Gabin, Jean. (1904–1976) [Bastia, Georges. (1904–1980)]
Le Zoo des Vedettes. 30 Lithographies originales de Georges Bastia. Preface de Marcel Achard
Monaco: Héracléïa. [ca. 1930]. First edition. Portfolio of 30 original color lithographs by Georges Bastia of leading figures in French song, stage and film, including Michel Simon, Edith Piaf, Fernandel, Maurice Chevalier, Raimu, Mistinguett, Sacha Guitry, Jean Gabin, Gérard Philippe, Michèle Morgan, Georges Brassens, Marina Vlady, Jean Marais, Philippe Clay, Louis de Funès, Gaby Morlay, etc, each depicted in very comical lithographs as an animal with a humanized face. The celebrities are identified in a table of contents at the end of the volume. The lithographs printed by Mourlot. No. 121 of 450 copies, with a preface by Marcel Achard. The portfolio worn, with repaired corners, wear to cloth spine, but with original ribbon ties intact and the lithographs (loose, as issued) in generally fine condition. 11 x 14.5 inches (37 x 28.5 cm).A member of the "Sociétaire des Humoristes," Bastia was a cartoonist for publications such as Le Rire, L'Auto, and Opéra, but is best-remembered for the present collection. Bastia's caricatures capture the highly recognizable characteristics of each face, paired humorously with an animal body and pose: Michel Simon crouches with his head in his hand as an orangutan; Maurice Chevalier is rendered as an ostrich, with the flat beak subtly evoking his signature boater hat; and Edith Piaf becomes a spindly, almost bodiless raven perched on a rainy sidewalk. (8046)
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