Mixed media on paper, framed. Featuring a portrait. Signed and in the manner of Rene Guau (French, 1909-2004) on the lower right corner. 30 x 21 cm (11.8 x 8.3 inches). Frame size: 41 x 36 cm (16.1 x 14.2 inches). Rene Gruau was an Italian artist known for his painterly style of fashion illustration. Inspired by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s Art Nouveau aesthetic, Gruau echoed the expressive line and controlled blocks of color used by his predecessor. Born Renato Zavagli Ricciardelli on February 4, 1909 in Rimini, Italy, Gruau took his mother’s name when he moved to Paris as a young man. He began his career in print editorials, making his mark in the industry by designing the iconic Miss Dior fashion campaign in 1947. A graphic artist for haute couture fashion houses, as well as advertisements, Gruau garnered further acclaim for his poster design of Federico Fellini’s cinema classic La Dolce Vita (1959). He died on March 31, 2004 in Rome at the age of 95, and his hometown Rimini retains a collection of his work in its city museum. PROVENANCE: Southern Ontario estate

All lots that do not carry established documented provenance nor any past record of auction history record are described in the catalog as attributed .

All authorship of items in this catalog are described according to the following terms:

By [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work is by the artist.

Attributed to [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work may be ascribed to the artist on the basis of style, but there may be some question as to actual authorship.

In the manner of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but was designed deliberately to emulate the style of the artist.

After [Artist Name] : In our opinion, the work was executed by an unknown hand, but is a deliberate copy of a known work by the artist.

Circle of [Artist Name] : In our opinion, a work of the period of the artist showing his influence, closely associated with the artist but not necessarily his pupil.

Follower of [Artist Name]: In our opinion, a work by a pupil or a follower of the artist (not necessarily a pupil).

American, 19th century : In our opinion, this work was executed by an unknown hand, and can only be identified by origin (i.e., region, period).

Bears signature : In our opinion, the signature on the artwork may be spurious.
Apocryphal : Of doubtful authenticity.