Paris sur scene 1922 - La Vie Parisienne Print by Vald'Es

Illustration Details

Vintage Art Deco design of a lady gracefully dancing with large hair, silk and flower petals.

French Text : Paris sur scene. Si le theatre est la peinture des moeurs craignons d’etre accuses de militarisme : on me voit sur nos scenes que des revues!

Translation : Paris on stage. If the theater is the painting of morals fear of being accused of militarism. I saw that in our reviews!

French theatre is well known for its cabaret with venues such as the Moulin Rouge holding extravagant music, song and dance shows. The can-can is believed to have originated in the Moulin Rouge, devised by courtesans (prostitutes, concubines and showgirls) of the time.

Shows often reflected the concerns of the period, hence the reference to militarism (belief that a country should maintain a strong military capability) only 4 years after WWI.