This print is based on Colin’s famous 1927 poster for the Bal Nègre (see No. 78). Although he dates this the same year, it was most likely executed at a later date. The one-night event at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées was meant to crown the whole “black craze” which swept into Paris in 1925 with Josephine Baker and the Revue Nègre. It was organized entirely by Paul Colin and was a hugely successful event. Josephine Baker was not the model but, according to Colin, she was quite definitely his inspiration.
literature: Colin, 19; Colin Affichiste, 113; PAI-XCII, 193 (all var)