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Reclining Cat Oil on Canvas Signed by Charles Kiffer - Cat Portrait - 1950s
$2,015.66
£1,502.53
€1,697
CA$2,809.54
A$3,053.49
CHF 1,613.65
MX$36,940.66
NOK 20,096.87
SEK 18,982.75
DKK 12,923.43
About the Item
Reclining Cat - Oil on Canvas Signed by Charles Kiffer - Cat Portrait - 1950s
Charles Kiffer (1902–1992) was a French painter, poster artist, and lithographer trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris (see biography below).
He became widely known for his iconic portraits of Joséphine Baker, Édith Piaf, Charles Trenet, and performers from the worlds of theater, music-hall, and circus.
His works were showcased at prominent venues such as the Salon des Indépendants, the Salon d'Automne, and the Salon des Tuileries in Paris.
While his lithographs and posters are well documented, his easel paintings are far rarer and highly sought after today.
This oil on canvas depicts a reclining black-and-white cat, an intimate and endearing subject. The work is signed lower right and bears a handwritten dedication “Pour Madeleine et Mouchette”, with Mouchette referring to the cat portrayed. On the reverse side of the panel, there is an additional pencil drawing of the same animal, adding both authenticity and collector’s appeal.
The painting remains in excellent condition and is presented in an elegant floater frame in black and gilt ash.
Based on style and facture, the work can be confidently dated to the 1950s–1960s, a period when Kiffer increasingly moved beyond poster art toward more personal and intimate subjects.
Artist: Charles Kiffer (1902–1992)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions Framed : 36cm width x 27cm height x 3,5cm depth
Signature: Signed lower right
Inscription: Dedication “Pour Madeleine et Mouchette”
Reverse: Pencil drawing of a cat
Frame: Black and gilt ash floater frame
Condition: Excellent
Date : 1950s
BIOGRAPHY / Charles Kiffer (1902–1992) :
Early Life and Education
Charles François Kiffer was born on June 8, 1902, in Paris into an artistic family. His mother was a piano teacher, and his father was a tailor who worked for many actors. This exposure to the theatrical world from a young age influenced his artistic direction. In 1918, he enrolled at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he studied under the guidance of painter Fernand Cormon.
Artistic Career
Kiffer's multifaceted career encompassed painting, drawing, sculpture, engraving, and poster design. He gained recognition for his expressive portraits and figures, often depicting performers from the worlds of theater, music-hall, and circus. His works were showcased at prominent venues such as the Salon des Indépendants, the Salon d'Automne, and the Salon des Tuileries in Paris.
In the 1920s, Kiffer began creating posters for renowned French entertainers. Notably, he designed the iconic 1925 poster for Maurice Chevalier, capturing the essence of the performer with minimalistic yet expressive features. He continued this collaboration with Chevalier in the late 1930s, producing screenprints that are now considered classics of Art Deco poster design.
Beyond Chevalier, Kiffer illustrated posters for other stars like Charles Trenet, Edith Piaf, Yves Montand, and Gaby Morlay. His works often featured bold colors and stylized forms, reflecting the vibrant energy of the performers.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1924, Kiffer married Suzanne Kiffer-Porte, and together they had a daughter, Marie-Thérèse Kiffer-Porte. Throughout his career, Kiffer maintained close relationships with his subjects, including Edith Piaf, capturing their likenesses with sensitivity and insight. He continued to work from his studio on Île Saint-Louis in Paris, where he welcomed friends and contemporary artists.
Charles Kiffer passed away on January 20, 1992, in Paris. His works remain celebrated for their distinctive style and contribution to French visual culture.
- Creator:Charles Kiffer (Artist)
- Similar to:Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 10.63 in (27 cm)Width: 14.18 in (36 cm)Depth: 1.38 in (3.5 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1950
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:ROUEN, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU9230246912522
Charles Kiffer
Charles Kiffer, born in France, was well known for his figures, paintings, prints, posters, almost all devoted to theater, music hall and circus. From 1918, he attended the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In 1923, he created, for his pleasure, the portrait of Maurice Chevalier who entrusted him with the production of posters for his following shows in 1926 and 1927. From then on, he became the regular poster artist for the singer and created 13 posters for him. He illustrated posters for many stars like Georges Guétary (1933), Charles Trénet, Edith Piaf (1936), Yves Montand, Rina Ketty, Gaby Morlay in 1939. Kiffer also created many sets and stage curtains for the Casino de Paris. More than 65 years after his first poster, Kiffer still works in his studio on the Ile Saint-Louis in Paris, where he likes to entertain his friends and the great contemporary artists.
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