Hommage A Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker (1906 - 1975) was an American-born French dancer, singer, and actress who came to be known in various circles as the "Black Pearl," "Bronze Venus" and the "Creole Goddess". Born Freda Josephine McDonald in St. Louis, Missouri, Josephine became a citizen of France in 1937. She was fluent in both English and French. Baker dropped out of school at the age of 13. Her street-corner dancing attracted attention and she was recruited for the St. Louis Chorus vaudeville show at the age of 15. She then headed to New York City during the Harlem Renaissance, performing at the Plantation Club and in the chorus of the groundbreaking and hugely successful Broadway revues Shuffle Along (1921) with Adelaide Hall and The Chocolate Dandies (1924). She traveled to Paris in 1925 and opened in "La Revue Nègre", at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. In Paris, she became an instant success for her erotic dancing and for appearing practically nude on stage. Baker quickly became the most successful American entertainer working in France. Ernest Hemingway called her "the most sensational woman anyone ever saw." Baker famously worked during WWII for the French Resistance, and campaigned for social justice her entire life.

This poster was created for a benefit raising funds for the Josephine Baker Foundation.

This is an Original Vintage Poster; it is not a reproduction. This poster is conservation mounted, linen backed, and in excellent condition. We guarantee the authenticity of all of our posters.