Vintage Photograph of Jean Gabin on Silver Paper by Teddy Piaz's

This vintage photograph of French actor Jean Gabin on silver paper bears the artist Teddy Piaz's seal but is not numbered. It was likely taken around 1938 or 1939, after the actor shared the stage with Michèle Morgan in the iconic film "Port of Shadows," whose portrait our gallery also offers. The photograph is framed with the name of Jean Gabin printed in red at the bottom.

In this photograph, Teddy Piaz presents a timeless black-and-white portrait of Jean Gabin, a treasured figure in the history of French cinema. His portraits often featured dramatic lighting and carefully composed poses, creating timeless images. Teddy Piaz was known for his skill in capturing the essence of his subjects. Through the actor's gaze, Piaz conveys a unique attitude that captures Gabin's enigmatic personality. The strong contrasts created by skillful manipulation of light draw the viewer's attention to the sealed lips and mysterious expression of the actor.

What lies beneath the surface? Who was Jean Gabin outside of his acting roles? Perhaps a humble and shy individual, as could question this photo...

In the past, actors were often viewed as unapproachable and almost godlike figures. However, with the rise of social media, the illusion of familiarity has made them seem more accessible to their fans. Photographs taken by studios in the pre-World War II era captured the essence of this time and served as a reminder of how these actors were once seen as untouchable beings. The black-and-white format contributes to this unique atmosphere, making studio portraits such as Diaz or Harcourt's a timeless art form to be cherished.

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Despite being a prominent figure in the world of photography, information about Teddy Piaz remains shrouded in mystery. Born in 1900, details and date about his death are unknown. What we do know is that Piaz's studio was among the most significant during his time and was dedicated to creating portraits of Music Hall artists like Josephine Baker and Mistinguett, ballet dancers such as Serge Lifar, singers, film actors, and many other celebrities. During his career, Piaz worked also with many of the most famous figures of his time, including artists like Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse, as well as fashion icons like Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli. His photographs were widely published in magazines and newspapers and are now considered to be some of the most iconic images of the early and mid-20th century. Hundreds of his portraits were used for postcards, and Piaz was also associated with a number of 45 rpm records from the 1950s and 1960s, at a time when it was fashionable to include the performer's portrait on the cover.

It's also interesting to note that Cosette Harcourt worked at Piaz's studio for some time before opening her own studio, the exclusive Studio Harcourt. The Piaz Studio was located at 122 Champs-Élysées, the avenue running between the Place de la Concorde and the Place Charles de Gaulle, where the Arc de Triomphe is located. Despite the lack of personal details about Piaz, his legacy as one of the most influential portrait photographers lives on.

REFERENCE NUMBER: LU825833733042
PERIOD: 1930-1939
CONDITION: Good
MEASUREMENTS: Height: 24.75" Width: 19" Depth: 0.5"
COUNT: 1
MATERIAL: Paper
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France