205 Dudley Hardy (1867–1922) – The Chieftain, Poster for the Savoy Theatre – Chromolithograph (Circa 1896)
This colorful illustration is a smaller format version of a large-scale theatrical poster advertising the comic opera The Chieftain, which ran at the Savoy Theatre, London. The central figure is the opera's protagonist, a Spanish bandit known as the Chieftain, who is depicted standing boldly with a drawn sword and a large striped hat, set against a vibrant red background. The design's striking composition and use of flat, bold color are highly characteristic of the Art Nouveau movement. The work was published in a distinguished French series dedicated to showcasing the most important graphic designs of the Belle Époque.
Dudley Hardy was an influential English painter and illustrator, celebrated for his theatrical poster designs and magazine illustrations during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Sheffield, he studied art in Düsseldorf, Paris, and Antwerp. While he gained initial recognition for serious paintings like Sans Asile (1889), he became best known for his dynamic graphic work. Hardy was a key figure in the London art scene, a founding member and second president of the London Sketch Club, and his poster work, including designs for A Gaiety Girl and the Savoy Operas, greatly contributed to the development of the Art Nouveau poster aesthetic in England.
Artist or Maker: Dudley Hardy
Dimensions: Approximately 40 × 29 cm
Medium: Chromolithograph
Date: Circa 1896
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 300 - 400 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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