Marcel Vertès Paintings
Hungarian, 1895-1961
Emmanuel Marcel Vertès, born Vértes Marcell in Újpest (Hungary) on 10 August 1895 and died in Paris 16th arrondissement on 31 October 1961, was a Hungarian-born French painter, engraver, illustrator and costume and film designer. After studying with Ferenczy at the Beaux-Arts in Budapest, Marcel Vertès produced political posters during the First World War. Going into exile at the end of the hostilities, like his comrades Mihály Bíró and Róbert Berény, he studied at the Académie Julian in Paris. He made a name for himself in France in the mid-1920s, particularly for his lithographs and illustrations. He published L'heure exquise, a series of erotic engravings, followed by Le pays à mon goût. His favourite subjects were the circus, balls and brothels. His real fame came with an album of lithographs entitled Dancings. Among the works he illustrated were Chéri and La Vagabonde by Colette, L'Europe galante by Paul Morand and Le Cirque by Ramón Gómez de la Serna, published by gallery owners Madeleine and Pierre Trémois. He was associated with the Hungarian cartoonist Alex Szekely.
In the 1930s, he also worked for fashion magazines such as the English edition of Vogue, the American rival Harper's Bazaar and the Gazette du Bon Ton. An engraver, watercolourist and costume designer, this artist also collaborated with Elsa Schiaparelli on numerous occasions, including advertising campaigns for perfumes, the creation of fabrics and even a portrait of the couturier. Mobilised at the start of the war, he was demobilised the following year and left for Biarritz. After passing through Spain, he returned to New York with his wife shortly afterwards and settled in 57th Street, continuing his collaborations and illustrations with the fashion world.
In the early 1950s, Marcel Vertès enjoyed a high profile in artistic circles, justified by a talent often described as exceptional. His drawings were characterised by a great economy of line and colour, and he also produced illustrations in black and white.
It was during this period that he worked on John Huston's Moulin Rouge as costume designer and set designer. He won two Oscars for this film. He moved back to Paris in the late 1950s and died there in 1961.
He is buried in the Père-Lachaise cemetery (90th division).to
2
1
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
3
2
1
1
1
2
1
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
3
2
2
2
1
39
781
715
711
692
2
2
1
Artist: Marcel Vertès
Circus performance, oil on canvas by French / hungarian artist Marcel Vertes
By Marcel Vertès
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Marcel Vertes (French/Hungarian, 1895 – 1961)
‘Circus performance’
Oil on canvas board
Signed `VERTES` (to the reverse)
20 x 24 in. (51 x 61 cm.)
Provenance: With the Hammer Gallerie...
Category
20th Century Modern Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Cherry Dancer
By Marcel Vertès
Located in Miami, FL
Cherry Dancer
Marcel Vertes
French, 1895-1961
Beautiful girl juggling cherries
Work is round but is shown in a square frame and some of the artworks edge is exposed
Description: ...
Category
1930s Post-Impressionist Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Gouache, Illustration Board
Art Deco Cherry Dancer
By Marcel Vertès
Located in Miami, FL
Cherry Dancer
Marcel Vertes
French, 1895-1961
Beautiful girl juggling cherries is a beautiful and charming idea that is deftly rendered in a quick and loose style.
Work is round
De...
Category
1930s Art Deco Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Gouache, Board
Related Items
Nightie Night - 5"x9", Small Framed Artwork, White, Beige, Feminine
By Andrea Stajan-Ferkul
Located in Mississauga, Ontario
A soft neutral palette used in this artwork adds to the graceful, feminine quality of the subject matter. Focus is placed on the blending of delicate detail and expressive brush wor...
Category
2010s Contemporary Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Acrylic, Pencil, Illustration Board
$540 Sale Price
20% Off
H 13 in W 23 in D 2.5 in
Mid Century French Pencil Sketch Fashionable Sketches of Figures and Accessories
By Josine Vignon
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Mid Century French Portrait
Josine Vignon (French 1922-2022)
Medium: Pencil/ charcoal /watercolour on artists paper, double sided
Size: 9.5 height) x 6.25 (width)
Stamped Verso
Con...
Category
Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Charcoal, Pencil, Watercolor
$103 Sale Price
30% Off
H 9.5 in W 6.25 in D 1 in
Original Painting. Colliers Magazine Cover Published 1933 Wedding Illustration
By Antonio Petruccelli
Located in New York, NY
Original Painting. Colliers Magazine Cover Published 1933 Wedding Illustration
Antonio Petruccelli (1907 - 1994)
The Wedding
Colliers published, June 17, 1933
17 1/4 X 11 1/2 inches (sight)
Framed 23 1/4 X 17 1/2 inches
Gouache on board
Signed lower right
BIOGRAPHY:
Antonio Petruccelli (1907-1994) began his career as a textile designer. He became a freelance illustrator in 1932 after winning several House Beautiful cover illustration contests.
In addition to 24 Fortune magazine covers, four New Yorker covers, several for House Beautiful, Collier’s, and other magazines he did numerous illustrations for Life magazine from the 1930s – 60s.
‘Tony was Mr. Versatility for Fortune. He could do anything, from charts and diagrams to maps, illustrations, covers, and caricatures,’ said Francis Brennan, the former art director for Fortune.
Over the course of his career, Antonio won several important design awards, designing a U.S. Postage Stamp Commemorating the Steel Industry and designing the Bicentennial Medal...
Category
1930s American Realist Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Gouache, Board
The Artist's Wife oil painting by Hans Burkhardt
By Hans Burkhardt
Located in Hudson, NY
Hans Burkhardt
The Artist's Wife (1930)
Oil on canvas, 20" x 16"
24" x 20 ½" x 1 ½" framed
Dated 1930 lower right recto. Annotated "To Elsa HB Louise Burkhardt 1930. HB" verso.
...
Category
1930s American Modern Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
On the Beach. Woman Reading. Mid-Century Chicago Modernist Oil Painting.
Located in Marco Island, FL
Chicago Modernist, William Schwartz, painted this intimate painting of a woman reading titled On the Beach. He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago shortly after emigrating to th...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil, Board
$6,500
H 21.88 in W 17.38 in D 2 in
1960s Italian Signed Still Life With Flowers
Located in Roma, IT
1960s Italian Signed Still Life With Flowers
A beautiful and rare painting by one of Italy's most important avant-garde artists.
It depicts a stunning vase of flowers with intense, ...
Category
1950s Modern Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$3,541
H 24.02 in W 20.48 in D 3.15 in
Original Painting. New Yorker Mag Cover Proposal WPA Mid Century American Scene
By Antonio Petruccelli
Located in New York, NY
Original Painting. New Yorker Mag Cover Proposal WPA Mid Century American Scene
Antonio Petruccelli (1907 – 1994)
Perplexed Gentleman
New Yorker cover proposal, c. 1939
13 1/4 X 8 ...
Category
1930s American Modern Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Gouache, Board
MADELEINE (ORIGINAL GOUCHE)
By Erté
Located in Aventura, FL
Unique, one of a kind original gouache on paper from Harper's Bazar series. Hand signed lower front by Erte; titled top front with studio catalog number on verso. Sheet size 10.7...
Category
1950s Art Deco Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Gouache
1910's Art Deco Erte Gouache Painting Original Hand Signed Rare French Costume
By Erté
Located in Buffalo, NY
A rare original signed Art Deco gouache on paper by Erte (Romain de Tirtoff)
.
This stunning theatrical costume design is signed Erte at the lower right.
The piece is 20 by 18 fram...
Category
1910s Art Deco Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Gouache, Archival Paper, Pencil
$6,400 Sale Price
20% Off
H 20 in W 18 in
Sunlit Red Roof Charming Villa Retreat Mid Century French Watercolour
By Josine Vignon
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Mid Century French Landscape
by Josine Vignon (French 1922-2022)
Medium: Watercolour on artists paper
Size: 7 height) x 9 (width)
Stamped Verso
Condition: Good
Provenance: All the pa...
Category
Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Watercolor
$121 Sale Price
30% Off
H 7 in W 9 in D 1 in
Charles Levier [Solitude de Pierrot] signed large oil on canvas circa 1950
By Charles Levier
Located in Miami, FL
CHARLES LEVIER – [SOLITUDE DE PIERROT
⚜ Oil on Canvas ⚜ Hand Signed Lower Right ⚜ Original Period Frame
A THEATRICAL PORTRAIT OF MELANCHOLY
“Solitude de Pierrot” captures Charles Levier’s fascination with the archetypal Pierrot from commedia dell’arte. With angular black outlines and muted pastel tones, Levier reduces the figure to its essential gestures, creating a poignant symbol of isolation and quiet reflection. The vertical format emphasizes Pierrot’s elongated stance, while his downcast eyes and red-tipped nose heighten the painting’s emotive impact. This work was acquired directly from the artist by noted Beverly Hills designer Dean Richard Kukuk and retains its original Martin Lowitz Gallery label, underscoring both provenance and historical context.
WHY COLLECT THIS WORK?
✓ An early and expressive Charles Levier oil from circa 1950
✓ Features the Pierrot subject, connecting to the theatrical tradition of commedia dell’arte
✓ Strong provenance: Martin Lowitz Gallery, Los Angeles, and the collection of Dean Richard Kukuk, Beverly Hills
✓ Retains its original period frame in excellent condition with gallery label affixed verso
ARTWORK DETAILS:
▸ Title: [Solitude de Pierrot]
▸ Artist: Levier, Charles
▸ Medium: Oil on Canvas
▸ Creation Date: circa 1950
▸ Country of Creation: US
▸ Signed: Hand Signed Lower Right
▸ Current Condition: Excellent commensurate with age. Original period frame in great condition consistent with age.
▸ Documentation: Martin Lowitz Gallery label affixed to verso
▸ Provenance: Martin Lowitz Gallery, Los Angeles; Dean Richard Kukuk, Los Angeles
▸ Dimensions:
— ◼︎ Canvas Size: 44.25 inches x 15 inches
— ◻︎ Frame Size: 59 inches x 30 inches x 2.625 inches
INCLUDED DOCUMENTATION
✓ Certificate of Authenticity
✓ Artist Biography Document
THE ARTIST:
Charles Levier (1920–2003) was a French-American painter known for expressive oils, gouaches, and watercolors that bridge Modernism and postwar design sensibilities. His subjects include harbor towns, still lifes, café society, and commedia dell’arte figures such as Pierrot and Harlequin. Levier’s linear bite and stylized elongations have invited comparison to Bernard Buffet, while collectors of Modigliani, Rouault, and mid-century École de Paris painting...
Category
1950s Modern Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
Charles LevierCharles Levier [Solitude de Pierrot] signed large oil on canvas circa 1950, circa 1950
$9,500
H 59 in W 30 in D 2.625 in
Expressionist Gouache and Watercolour Study for 'Alexander and His Army'.
Located in Cotignac, FR
French late 20th century watercolour and gouache study for the series 'Alexander and His Army' by Stephane Lovighi-Bourgogne. Presented in plain wood frame.
A strong and forceful de...
Category
Late 20th Century Expressionist Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Paper, Watercolor, Gouache
$1,015
H 21.5 in W 27.5 in D 0.5 in
Previously Available Items
Large Art Deco Circus Illustration Gouache Painting Ballerina with Horse and Dog
By Marcel Vertès
Located in Surfside, FL
This is an original gouache painting on board. It appears to be a circus performer or acrobat with horses.
Measures 34 X 24 with mat. 29 X 19 sight
Provenance: Palm Beach estate
M...
Category
Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Gouache, Board
Original Art Deco Circus Illustration Gouache Painting, Drawing Lady with Horses
By Marcel Vertès
Located in Surfside, FL
This is an original illustration watercolor or gouache painting and drawing on paper. It appears to be a circus performer or acrobat with horses. Measures 26" H x 23-1/2" W, sight. f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Post-Impressionist Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Watercolor, Gouache
Art Deco Original Painting Marcel Vertes Fashion Illustration Design 1940 Framed
By Marcel Vertès
Located in Buffalo, NY
An important original watercolor by Hungarian artist Marcel Vertes depicting a woman in period clothes including a charming ornate floral hat.
This incredible painting is in excellent condition and would come with a COA and appraisal.
Marcel Vertes
An Academy Award winning costume designer for Moulin Rouge, easel and mural painter, illustrator and scenic artist, Marcel Vertes was born in Hungary. His most active years professionally were 1933 to 1952, and he lived in both New York City and Paris, France. In Paris, he was a student at the Academy Julian.
In New York, he was lauded for the original murals at the Cafe Carlyle...
Category
1940s Art Deco Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Paper, Watercolor
Original Art Deco Theatre Costume Illustration Katinka Gouache Painting, Drawing
By Marcel Vertès
Located in Surfside, FL
This is an original Theater costume illustration painting and drawing on paper. Russian bearded Cossack man. stamped Atelier Vertes and pencil si...
Category
1930s Post-Impressionist Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Watercolor, Gouache, Pencil
Original Deco Theatre Costume Illustration "Katinka" Gouache Painting, Drawing
By Marcel Vertès
Located in Surfside, FL
This is an original Theater costume illustration painting and drawing on paper. Russian bearded Cossack man. stamped Atelier Vertes and pencil si...
Category
1930s Post-Impressionist Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Watercolor, Gouache, Pencil
Montmarte, Paris
By Marcel Vertès
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Marcel Vertes was born in Hungary and studied at the Academy Julian in Paris. Following his time at the Academy, Vertes lived and worked in the Latin Quarter, following French Impres...
Category
Modern Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Board, Oil
Circus Rider
By Marcel Vertès
Located in Wiscasset, ME
Marcel Vertes was born in Hungary and studied at the Academy Julian in Paris. Following his time at the Academy, Vertes lived and worked in the Latin Quarter, following French Impressionists Toulouse-Lautrec, Boutet and Forain and depicting scenes of Paris street life in the 1920's.
A painter, illustrator and designer, Vertes was a member of the American Art League, was lauded for his murals in the Hotel Carlyle and, in 1952, and won the British Academy Film award for best costume design for Moulin Rouge. An illustration contributor for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, fashion icons Jean Patou, Paul Poiret and Coco Chanel are counted amongst Vertes’ contemporaries. Vertes’ work can be found in collections at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and at museums in Luxembourg and Paris.
A professed fan of the circus and cabaret, Vertes’ “Circus Rider...
Category
1930s Modern Marcel Vertès Paintings
Materials
Gouache
Marcel Vertès paintings for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a wide variety of authentic Marcel Vertès paintings available for sale on 1stDibs. You can also browse by medium to find art by Marcel Vertès in gouache, paint, watercolor and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the Post-Impressionist style. Not every interior allows for large Marcel Vertès paintings, so small editions measuring 8 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Willy Pogany, Charles Picart le Doux, and Bela Kadar. Marcel Vertès paintings prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,125 and tops out at $3,900, while the average work can sell for $3,900.






