Maurice Tabard

mounted, signed, dated, and annotated 'Paris' by the photographer in pencil on the mount, titled by him in ink and with his '38 Rue Falguière' (address marked out) and 'Photo Maurice Tabard, Paris' credit, studio, and number stamps and annotated '20' in an unidentified hand in pencil on the reverse, matted, 1931

Acquired by the present owner from Marlborough Gallery, New York, 1976

This early print, with a slightly warm tonality on single-weight paper with a surface sheen, is generally in good to very good condition. There is slight rippling in the paper on the mount, possibly a result of loosening of the adhesive in some areas. There is silvering at the periphery of the print. In raking light, several tiny deposits of original retouching and a faint 2½-inch crease, not breaking the emulsion, are visible. The mount, which has a very slight wave, is age-darkened and lightly soiled. On the reverse of the mount, there are a number of small white circular deposits of indeterminate nature.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The dancer Georges Pomiès (1902 – 1933), a favorite Tabard subject, performs here in a dance inspired by the American vaudevillian 'General' Ed Lavine, a popular entertainer in Paris in the 1910s. Lavine's legendary performances included juggling while on a tightrope and miming the movements of a puppet; the Debussy prelude General Lavine—Eccentric was named for him.  Pomiès himself began his career in music halls, and went on to become one of the most important dancers of his generation before his untimely death at the age of 30.