by Baker, Josephine
BAKER, Josephine. Original programs for Josephine Baker in the Folies Bergère, the famed French cabaret hall where Josephine Baker got her first big break in her career. 1926-1937. Archive includes [1] La Revue des Folies Bergère,1926-1927. Paris: Editions Artistiques de Paris, 1926. [2] Folies Bergère, 1937. Paris: En Super Folies. Accompanied by insert from Deauville "La Plage Fleurie", 4pp. [3] Livre d'Or des Folies Bergère, 1929, and [4] Folies Bergère, 1932. Each program has about 15-20 pages each. Two measure 9 3/8" x 12 1/8", and two measure 9" x 6". Original illustrated and gilt pictorial wrappers, two with glassine jacket, featuring a color portrait of a topless Josephine Baker on the title page and color reproduction of a nude painting of Josephine Baker tipped to first page. All are richly illustrated with various black and white photos of various performances, many including Josephine Baker dressed in extravagant costumes. The 1926-1927 program includes a two page spread for "Fatou," which heralded Baker's most famous "Banana Dance" in which Baker is shown bare chested in her iconic banana skirt and beaded necklaces. With the rising popularity of jazz and stage performances in france, this "danse sauvage" made Baker an overnight sensation. Europe began selling dolls with banana skirts and editor's encouraged women to put walnut oil on their skin as an early form of self tanner to mimic Josephine's beauty. Although a product of it's time, the impact Baker had on the entertainment world aided in positively integrating Black faces in pop-culture. One full two page spread depicts the full set and cast of "La Fille Du Bled -- The Girl of the Wildesness (African)," showcasing costuming and sets depicting the ancient Near East, Baker in a muslin gown with her arms spread and mouth open mid-performance. Interior with color spread promoting "La Jungle Marveilleuse avec Josephine Baker," showcasing a large cast of feather decorated showgirls, a life-size prop elephant, and Baker as the leading showgirl in a dazzling dress in the center. Minor wear to edges, one has a few small chips on spine. Overall very good condition.
(Inventory #: 20163)