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Oriental Carnival Costume Scene, “Faschingsfreuden” by Edward Cucuel, c. 1900
€340
$380 · £290
Original print, not a reproduction.
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- Date
- 1900
- Sheet size
- 22.4 × 15.9 in (57 × 40.5 cm)
- Condition
- Very good condition with vibrant original colors. Light horizontal fold visible across the center. Minor edge wear and faint toning in the margins. Paper remains strong and clean overall.
- Wardrobe
- The fashion plate
- Era
- 1900 and after, Belle Époque on
- Stock no.
- f_46172512
Carnival Costume Scene, “Faschingsfreuden” by Edward Cucuel, c. 1900
This lively and colorful chromolithograph titled Faschingsfreuden (Carnival Pleasures) captures a humorous and theatrical masquerade scene by American-born artist Edward Cucuel (1875–1954). Signed in the lower right corner “Cucuel,” the print likely dates to the late 19th or early 20th century, when the artist was working in Germany and Austria.
The image depicts a man dressed in an exaggerated and stereotyped “Oriental” costume, complete with a red folding fan and elaborately embroidered robe in the style of Chinese court dress. He is flanked by two elegantly dressed European women in fashionable fin-de-siècle evening attire, one in a yellow gown with black sash and gloves, the other in a green dress and red cloak trimmed with white fur. The man’s theatrical pose, the women’s amused expressions, and the title all suggest the scene takes place during Fasching, the Germanic carnival season known for balls, parties, and masked festivities.
The artist Edward Cucuel was known for his genre scenes and portraits, often with an air of social satire or playful eroticism. Born in San Francisco, Cucuel studied in Paris and Munich and worked extensively in Germany, where he gained popularity for his depictions of stylish women and upper-class leisure. This print is a fine example of his early work in chromolithography, before he became more widely known for Impressionist paintings.
This print also reflects the turn-of-the-century fascination with Orientalism and costuming, albeit with elements that would now be considered culturally insensitive. It offers insight into the theatrical and carefree spirit of pre-World War I European society, where exoticism and masquerade were fashionable and widely popular.
Condition: Very good condition with vibrant original colors. Light horizontal fold visible across the center. Minor edge wear and faint toning in the margins. Paper remains strong and clean overall.
Framing tips: A gold or ebonized frame with a wide ivory mat will bring out the refined tones and festive character of this print. Ideal for collectors of Art Nouveau or theatrical illustrations.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Maker: Edward Cucuel, Germany, c. 1900
