Charles, Carl Gesmar Paintings


Charles 'Carl' Gesmar was an influential French artist and designer, renowned for his innovative and vibrant costume designs, posters, and illustrations. Born on May 21, 1900, in Mulhouse, Alsace, which was then a part of Germany, Gesmar displayed artistic talent from a young age. He moved to Paris as a teenager, where he quickly became immersed in the city's thriving artistic community.

Gesmar's career took off when he started working with the famous French music hall singer Mistinguett at the Casino de Paris in 1919. He designed numerous costumes and posters for her, which helped to cement his reputation as a talented and imaginative designer. Gesmar's style was characterized by bold colors, dynamic composition, and an Art Deco influence, which was popular during the 1920s.

Throughout the 1920s, Carl Gesmar became a sought-after designer for theater and music hall productions. His work was not limited to Mistinguett; he also created designs for other leading performers of the day. His illustrations were featured in various magazines, further spreading his renown.

Unfortunately, Gesmar's life and career were cut short when he died of pneumonia at the young age of 27 on February 27, 1928, in Paris. Despite his brief career, Gesmar's work had a significant impact on the visual arts, particularly in the realm of performance art. His innovative approach to costume and poster design continues to be celebrated for its creativity and expressiveness.