Born in 1892, Maryse “Damia” Damien is often called “the grande dame” of French song. She began her career as a member of Loïe Fuller’s troupe, appearing in Folies-Bergère revues and various small plays and films before making it as a chanteuse. Her signature ensemble consisted of a long, black, sleeveless dress with a deep, plunging neckline, as shown here by Colin. He also claims to be the person who came up with the idea of placing her in front of a black velvet curtain, allowing only her pale face and arms to be seen by the audience—a trick she used her entire professional life. This is the smaller format version of the design.
Imp. H. Chachoin, Paris
literature: Colin, p. 55; PAI-XCII, 195