• Baker, Josephine. (1906–1975). [Armand of Havana] 1951 Photograph in a Christian Dior gown & gloves, INSCRIBED to Paul McMahon

Baker, Josephine. (1906–1975). [Armand of Havana] 1951 Photograph in a Christian Dior gown & gloves, INSCRIBED to Paul McMahon

Baker, Josephine. (1906–1975). [Armand of Havana]
1951 Photograph in a Christian Dior gown & gloves, INSCRIBED to Paul McMahon
Gelatin silver print, signed 1963

Original 1951 Armand of Havana photograph of the legendary entertainer shown in a sumptuous Christian Dior gown and gloves, boldly signed and inscribed in black ink "To Paul / Amicalement / et son devotee /  Josephine Baker / 1963."  In fine condition.  8 x 10 inches (20.7 x 25.5 cm).

Baker was most noted as a singer, while in her early career she was a celebrated dancer. She was given the nicknames the "Black Venus" or the "Black Pearl", as well as the "Créole Goddess" in anglophone nations, while in France she has always been known in the old theatrical tradition as "La Baker."  She performed in pre-Castro Cuba at the Teatro América in Havana from November 29, 1950. Jo Bouillon played the violin and conducted the Cuban Orchestra Cosmopolita, even performimng Cuban songs like Mamá Inés by Grenet and Anoche hablé con la luna by Orlando de la Rosa.

From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications.