Art & Statues
Sacha Zaliouk Original Art Deco Watercolor “Femme au Violoncelle” circa 1920s
Sacha Zaliouk Original Art Deco Watercolor “Femme au Violoncelle” circa 1920s
An exquisite original Art Deco watercolor by Sacha Zaliouk (1887–1971), titled Femme au Violoncelle (Woman with Cello), capturing the glamour, sensuality, and artistic freedom of Paris during the 1920s. The composition portrays an elegant young woman with softly curled blonde hair, delicately painted features, vivid red lips, and dramatic blue eye makeup. A whimsical blue hat rests upon her head as she poses beside a cello, her hand gracefully holding a green apple.
The unusual combination of the musical instrument, theatrical fashion, and partially draped figure creates an intriguing portrait of Parisian beauty. The watercolor technique, subtle shading, and restrained background allow the figure to dominate the composition. Signed Sacha Zaliouk and inscribed Paris in the upper left corner, the painting is presented in a textured silver-tone frame that complements its sophisticated palette.
Born Alexander Davidovich Zaliouk in Radomysl, Ukraine, the artist studied in St. Petersburg and Odessa before moving to Paris in 1912, where he became associated with the celebrated École de Paris and the artistic community of Montparnasse. He continued his education at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, studying under Raphaël Collin and François Flameng. Following service in the French army during World War I, Zaliouk established himself as a painter, illustrator, and sculptor. His portraits of fashionable women, theatrical personalities, and Parisian society captured the spirit of the Jazz Age. His illustrations appeared in prominent French publications including La Vie Parisienne, Fantasio, and Le Sourire, magazines celebrated for their sophisticated humor, fashion, and depictions of modern Parisian life. His participation in important exhibitions, including the Salon d’Automne in 1926, further established his place within the vibrant artistic world of early twentieth-century France.
Femme au Violoncelle is an engaging example of Zaliouk's distinctive artistic style, bringing together the playful elegance of French illustration and the decorative sophistication of Art Deco painting. The woman's carefully rendered expression, the sculptural curves of the cello, and the vivid accents of blue, red, and green create a balanced composition filled with personality and charm. The painting reflects the fashionable and sometimes provocative imagery that defined Paris between the wars, when music, cabaret, theatrical performance, and the visual arts flourished together. Original watercolors of 1920s Paris represent a wonderful addition to a collection of Art Deco fine art, fashion illustration, or works associated with the École de Paris.
