Café le Niger.

Artist: MAR. BAR.
Size: 45 1/2 x 61 3/4 in./115.4 x 156.8 cm
Condition: B/ Slight tears, largely at folds.
Printer: Imp. Reunies, Lyon
Reference: Ref: PAI-XXXII, 186
Key Words: Art Deco; Black Images; Food/Drink

Café le Niger.
This incredibly politically incorrect design reveals the extreme lengths advertisers pursued to create a stop-in-your-tracks image. Though it surely wasn't intended to be disrespectful, the extreme body modification isn't presented with the requisite ceremonial or societal respect—and the oversized lip is nothing short of ridiculous. But this design does provide an eye-opening view of black caricature in advertising and outdated modes of appealing to customers. The artist may well be Maurice Barbey, who created posters in the 1920s.