Date: c. 1940-1951

Origin: France

Material: Cellulose

This stereoscopic photo shows dancers at the Bal Tabarin, located at 36 rue Victor-Massé in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. Two prominently visible performers wear costumes attributed to Erté, who began designing for the venue in 1933. These costumes, one panthère and one tigresse, resemble those seen in a Souvenir Album for the ‘Reflets’ revue at Bal Tabarin, dated to c. 1949-1951.

Between 1933 and 1949, Erté costumed a great variety of acts at Bal Tabarin. However, after the death of director Pierre Sandrini, a search for a new director was unsuccessful and the venue ultimately closed in 1953.

To learn more about these costumes and Bal Tabarin, visit our digital exhibition Erté: Feline Costumes for Bal Tabarin.

From the collection of Karolina Laskowska

Museum number: KL-2025-068