Anonymous / [Original Art]

(c. 1916) Four Hand-Painted Character Studies [Original c. 1916 Watercolor Postcard Designs]

A striking suite of four original character studies, executed in ink and watercolor on card stock. Blending Art Nouveau typography with theatrical costume design, these unique pieces appear to be maquettes or finished works for a private postcard series.

The presence of one uncolored line drawing ('The Poet') alongside three fully painted works offers a rare glimpse into the artist's production process.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Visuals: Three cards fully finished in vibrant watercolor (Doctor, Jester, Cook) and one in stark pen-and-ink (The Poet).

+++ Style: Distinctive Art Nouveau lettering integrated into the header of each card, with elongated, mannerist figures reminiscent of theatrical costume sketches.

+++ Format: Slightly irregular dimensions (5.625 x 4 inches), confirming these were hand-cut and likely never commercially mass-produced.

+++ Rarity: Unique. These are original manuscripts, not printed matter.

CONDITION: Very Good -- The card stock shows light, even age-toning. The watercolors remain vivid with no fading or bleed. The uncolored card is clean and sharp. There is minor handling wear to the edges, consistent with an artist's working files.
+++ Specs: 4 cards total / Blank versos.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Context: In the years surrounding World War I (c. 1916), the "Golden Age of Postcards" was transitioning. While commercial printing dominated, a robust culture of "Amateur Art" and "Mail Art" thrived, where skilled illustrators created private small-format works for exchange or portfolio use.

Significance: This set is a stylistic hybrid, bridging the decorative lettering of late Art Nouveau with the bolder, graphic punch of early Art Deco. The figure of 'The Doctor' (holding a skull) and 'The Jester' suggest a specific theatrical inspiration, possibly characters from a Commedia dell'arte cycle or a specific stage production of the era.

SUBJECTS: Original Art, Watercolor, Costume Design, Art Nouveau, Theatrical History, Postcard Art, Unique.

Item #20839

Price: $175.00