Belle Époque – le flirt dans le bistro. Drawing with Indian ink and colored pencil made by Richard Ranft, around 1890. Signed at the bottom left. Size (paper): 32,5 x 25 cm.
We see a stout woman in an extravagant outfit, including a hat adorned with feathers and flowers and a mink around her neck. With her expression and body language, she reveals that she admires the young man: “Ah petit homme… ce que je ferai de folies pour toi, si j’avais dix ans de moins” [Ah, little man… what crazy things I would do for you if I were ten years younger]. Her gaze and posture are full of longing.
The young man in his striking suit is not unpleased. He seems aware of the attention he is receiving from the lady next to him. He is confident, with his hands clasped together as if enjoying the situation.
The two men in the background appear to be conversing with each other and laughing at the humorous situation.
Richard Albin Ranft (1862-1931) was a Swiss artist active in Paris and is considered a post-impressionist. He was known as a portrait and landscape painter, engraver, and illustrator.
Price: Euro 850,- (incl. frame)
