This elegant 1953 poster announces the Bal de l’École du Louvre, an annual gala evening held at the prestigious Hôtel de Rothschild in Paris. Taking place on 14 February, the event promised music “from 10 p.m. until dawn,” accompanied by the orchestra of Francis Stelio. Designed in a refined yet lively style, the poster captures the glamour and sophistication of post-war Parisian society. The sweeping lines of the couple’s evening attire and the poised silhouettes evoke grace, movement, and the formal splendour expected of such an illustrious cultural gathering.
Printed by Mourlot in Paris, one of the most renowned lithographic workshops of the 20th century, the poster reflects the workshop’s commitment to artistic quality and craftsmanship. Mourlot collaborated with many of the greatest artists of the period, and even when working on event posters, their prints maintained a high level of aesthetic refinement. The restrained colour palette, dominated by warm beige tones with accents of red and black typography, enhances the sense of luxury and timeless elegance rather than loud advertising appeal.
Beyond its function as an announcement, this poster is a charming testimony to the cultural vitality of 1950s Paris. The Bal de l’École du Louvre was not merely a social event; it symbolised the spirit of artistic education, community, and the continued celebration of art and heritage in the years following the Second World War. Today, this poster stands as a stylish and evocative reminder of mid-century French graphic design and the enduring glamour of Parisian cultural life.
Original Poster
Show - Dance - Music - France
Hotel de Rothschild - Francis Stelio Orchestra
Printed by Mourlot in Paris
Good condition, one tear has been repaired.
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