André Renaud, 1929, by Paul Colin

This Art Deco poster by Paul Colin features a stylised depiction of André Renaud, a pianist, performing at a grand piano. The design captures the scene from behind the musician, with sharp geometric shapes and a subdued colour palette dominated by deep blacks and blues. The figure is angular and simplified, the piano looms large, its dark silhouette contrasting against the light background, while the use of soft gradients and diffuse highlights evokes a theatrical atmosphere.

André Renaud was a virtuoso pianist renowned for his remarkable ability to play two pianos simultaneously, a feat that captivated audiences in the late 1920s. The 1929 poster by Paul Colin was created to promote Renaud's performances, highlighting his extraordinary dual-piano technique. Colin, one of France’s most celebrated poster designers of the 20th century, is best known for his iconic works from the Jazz Age. He was deeply influenced by modernist movements and the cultural dynamism of the 1920s and 1930s, often blending bold typography with innovative visual compositions. Colin created this piece at the height of his career, a time when he frequently collaborated with prominent performers and institutions in Paris.