NIJNI ET STONE DANCE POSTER

The caption on this lovely French lithograph from the early 1930s simply states Nijni et Stone. The drawing is of two dancers, one male and one female, performing a ballet in perfect synchrony.  The actual identity of these dancers is not known; however, it is thought that the name “Stone” may refer to American Bentley Stone, a leading dancer with a number of American and international ballet companies in the 1930s.

There are no dates or venues printed on this poster, which suggests that the pair gave numerous performances in France, with the information for each performance printed on a banner added to the poster as needed.

The poster is notable for its exquisite art deco design, with its symmetry, intricate lines and layered geometric shapes. A large orange triangle dominates the background and a crescent-shaped shadow streaming from the fingers of the female dancer overlays the triangle, creating an interesting contrast to the sharp-edged triangle. Circular and parallel lines etch the background where black meets orange. These background geometric designs give the poster an abstract, modern feel – additional hallmarks of the art deco design.

French poster artist Obrad Nicolitch (1898-1976) designed this exquisite lithograph.  His last name is printed in wonderfully distinctive art deco letters in the lower left area of the poster. 

If you love artwork from the 1930s reflecting the influence of the art deco movement, you'll love this lithograph.

Condition: A