27

Cyrille Polissadiw, & Guy & Jean Selz

Théâtre Des Champs - Elysées / Bal Costume de la Misère Noire. 1927.

Condition A: small unobtrusive tears at edges. Matted and framed.

Guy and Jean Selz were active in the Montparnasse art world as collectors, critics and writers. Ukranian artist Cyrille (born Wladimir) Pollisadiw founded the religious and spiritual association "La Misère Noire" in 1926. With Guy and Jean, they organized a ball based on the concept of "Utter Poverty." The program of events called for "lice and bugs," along with other elements of squalor and filth. The event turned into a major scandal and was canceled on the order of the French Interior Minister. Whether the event was intended to be satirical or real, the poster is a compelling Cubistic and Avant-garde work, much in the style of posters for other Russian balls in Paris during those years.
23½x15¾ inches, 60x40 cm. H. Chachoin, Paris.

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April 7, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
New York, NY, US

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