Jacques Majorelle

Circa 1930 original poster by Jacques Majorelle, titled “Marrakech”

Circa 1930

The circa 1930 original poster by Jacques Majorelle, titled “Marrakech”, is a stunning representation of both the artist’s fascination with Morocco and his remarkable ability to blend vibrant color palettes with the rich, exotic imagery of North Africa. Majorelle, a French painter who settled in Morocco in 1917, is most renowned for his depictions of the country’s landscapes, people, and culture. This poster reflects his passion for Marrakech, the city where he lived and built his famous garden, the Jardin Majorelle, which would later become a world-renowned landmark. Majorelle's poster highlights the intersection of colonial-era exoticism and modernist artistic sensibilities. In this piece, he portrays an African woman sitting amidst lush tropical vegetation, emphasizing her cultural adornments and the natural surroundings. The use of bold colors and strong contrasts, especially with the deep greens and earthy browns of the foliage, are a hallmark of Majorelle’s style, which often borrowed from the Orientalist tradition but infused it with a modernist’s sense of abstraction and emotional intensity. The woman’s posture is relaxed yet commanding, as she seems deeply connected to the land and nature around her. Her intricate jewelry and adornments reflect the artist’s attention to the details of indigenous culture, which Majorelle deeply admired. His works are often celebrated for their respectful and evocative portrayals of local life, avoiding some of the more stereotypical and reductive images often seen in European depictions of North Africa during the colonial period. Majorelle’s connection to Marrakech and Morocco is well-documented. His time in the country deeply influenced his artistic direction, and he became one of the most important European artists to depict the Maghreb. His posters, paintings, and designs not only served to advertise Morocco as a destination during the colonial period but also immortalized the country's allure and its vibrant cultural heritage. Majorelle was known not only for his posters and paintings but also for his deep love for the culture of Morocco, which is evident in this work. His appreciation for the landscape and the people of Marrakech comes through clearly in this depiction, offering viewers a window into the artist’s own experience of the country. Today, Majorelle’s work is widely recognized as a vital contribution to the history of French art and the cultural history of Morocco. His posters, like “Marrakech”, serve as both artworks and historical documents, offering insight into how Morocco was viewed and represented in European art during the early 20th century. Furthermore, they continue to inspire admiration for their beauty, technical skill, and emotional depth. In summary, Jacques Majorelle’s “Marrakech” poster...

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Cuban Artist Cundo Bermudez Lithograph, Signed, Numbered with COA Offered for sale is a 2007 lithograph of a Mid-century painting by the Cuban artist Cundo Bermúdez (1914-2008). This is a print from the artist's authorized lithographic production or one of his earlier works prior to his death. The print is # 77/700 as printed in Spain and includes the original COA in an envelope affixed to the back. The work is nicely framed and ready to hang. Bermúdez was a painter associated with the Cuban Modernist movement, and best known for his colorful and humorous depictions of everyday life. Born in Havana, he studied painting at the Alejandro School of Fine Art in Havana, and later traveled to Mexico City to study drawing at the San Carlos Academy of Fine Art. There, he was strongly influenced by Mexican artists, such as Diego Rivera, and José Clemente Orozco as well as by the previous generation of Cuban artists, such as Amelia Peláez and Carlos Enríquez...