◇ Harlequin's Shadow

This archival print captures the whimsical, slightly melancholic spirit of the Commedia dell'arte as reimagined for the 1920s Parisian stage. The composition features the classic trio, Harlequin, Columbine, and a shadowed Pierrot rendered in the sharp, rhythmic lines of the Art Deco era. Set against a blue, the figures exude a sense of silent drama and Jazz Age elegance. It offers a viewing experience that is both playful and profoundly atmospheric, serving as a sophisticated nod to the history of European performance art.

Why We Picked It
What makes this piece particularly compelling is the dynamic geometry of the Harlequin’s diamond-patterned costume, which acts as a visual anchor against the fluid drapery of Columbine. The artist, Zig, masterfully uses high-contrast lighting to create a sense of depth and mystery. The color palette, a refined mix of parchment, red, and  blue is incredibly versatile for modern interiors. We chose it for its ability to bridge the gap between traditional folk archetypes and the sleek, stylized modernism of the mid-20th century.

Notable Context
Created for the Casino de Paris, this work reflects the era’s fascination with the "Harlequinade." It  highlights the Neoclassical revival that swept through France after WWI. Artists like Picasso and Derain were famously revisiting these 16th-century Italian characters to explore themes of identity and performance. This print is a factual artifact of that Return to Order, where the chaos of the modern world was filtered through the structured, familiar masks of the Commedia. It represents a time when the Parisian music hall was not just a place for dance, but a legitimate canvas for cutting-edge graphic design.

About the Artist
Zig (Louis Gaudin) was a defining force in French graphic art between the wars. His work for the Casino de Paris and the Folies Bergère elevated the status of the "commercial" poster to fine art. Zig’s style is known for its sartorial detail and its ability to capture the vibe of a production through a single, iconic image. He remains a key figure for collectors of theatrical ephemera and those interested in the evolution of modern fashion illustration.