Rouge, Rouge (Red, Red)

Rene Gruau (Born Count Renato Zavagli Ricciardelli delle Caminate; 1909 – 2004, Italian and French) “Rouge, Rouge” (Red, Red) poster also known as ‘Profilo con Capello’ (Profile with Hat) is an illustration used as an advertising poster for a Gruau exhibition in the fall of 1992 at the Poster Center, 58 Allee Charles de Fitte, Toulouse, France. That location is the address for the “Matou” or Musee De L’Affiche De Toulouse (Poster Museum of Toulouse) which is the only museum devoted to advertising posters in France. The image is a perfect example of the artist’s style and color combination of black and red. Gruau’s iconic signature, a painted star, over a capital “G”, appears in the upper right corner. The poster measures 25.5 x 16 inches, and it has been surrounded by a red mat and placed in a simple black frame measuring 30.5 x 24.5 inches.

René Gruau was a creator and illustrator of timeless expression of style, elegance, and sophistication in the world of haute couture, particularly after World War II. In addition to illustration, he was a painter, costume and stage set designer, and a poster maker. His work is recognizable for his style, of fluid, expressive and seemingly simple and easy lines. He used minimum lines to create maximum effect – a face, mouth, hairstyle, gesture, clothing, all reflecting high fashion and gracefulness.