Louis Icart

Masquerade ball

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Louis Icart
"Masquerade ball"
1931

Louis Icart, a French artist, illustrator, and engraver, became a symbol of the Art Deco era. Raised in a bohemian milieu alongside masters like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, he embraced a spirit of freedom and creativity. In 1907, he moved to Paris, launching his career in a studio producing postcards and illustrations for fashion magazines like “La Critique Théâtrale”. In 1914, he met Fanny Volmers, a young blonde who became his wife, muse, and primary model, inspiring his refined works. The 1920s marked his creative peak, as he collaborated with fashion houses and created Art Deco etchings and watercolors that captivated audiences. His sensual yet playful depictions of women in stylish attire foreshadowed the pin-up aesthetic. Icart masterfully captured fabric textures and movement, especially in carnival and theatrical scenes, where Art Deco’s opulence shone brightest. His works are held at MoMA (New York), Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and Musée d’Orsay (Paris). Louis Icart remains an emblem of his era’s elegance and sensuality.

Artist
Louis Icart
Original title
Masquerade ball
Date
1931
Technique
Pastel on paper
Inventory
VCM P013