This is a
very nice antiquarian (circa 1900) caricature done by Georges Goursat, a popular caricaturist of France's "Belle Epoque" period who was known as "Sem" and whose drawings typically featured the social elite, actors, singers, politicians, and the like who frequented Maxim's, Longchamp Downs, etc. He published many of his drawings in various French newspapers and magazines (see a photo of SEM directly below).
Georges Goursat (Sem), 1914
The caricature is a signed original hand-colored pochoir lithograph print on woven paper from about 1920. It is an original antique print and not a modern reproduction.
This caricature shows a fast dancing scene from the great Jazz Age of Paris. This drawing is from SEM's White Bottoms portfolio.
There is a saxophonist with the caption "Charleston?"
In the upper right is an unidentified, well-to-do, seated matron with the caption "Get Out!"
In the lower left is a couple dancing. The gentleman is Victor Boucher. Boucher was a well-known French actor of that period. The lady is Spinelli. Mlle. Spinelli was a dancer with the Folies-Bergere. Their identifications were penciled in by someone (by SEM?) just above their heads.
In the lower right is a gentleman who seems to be enjoying the festivities. He says "Voici les fous" which roughly translates to "Here are the crazy ones."
The picture is signed by SEM in the lower right portion.
Condition. There is some toning, especially around the edges. The edges have minor wear and tears and small creases, common imperfections associated with age.
All in all, the primary depiction of the subject is itself in good condition with no tears or folds or stains.
{Sold by DesertGold_US, $75, 2015.}
