René GRUAU (1909-2004), attributed to - Lot 142

René GRUAU (1909-2004), attributed to Caress Line Watercolor and gouache on paper mounted on cardboard, probably Jacomet process on reverse Signed "Gruau", located "Paris" and titled 68.5 x 46.5 cm (Mottling, stains, folds, perforations) NOTICE René Gruau (1909-2004) was an Italian-born French illustrator and poster artist, widely recognized for his major influence on the world of fashion and advertising in the 20th century. Born in Rimini as Renato Zavagli Ricciardelli delle Caminate, he later adopted the name Gruau, in tribute to his mother. His distinctive, elegant and minimalist style has left its mark on the aesthetics of fashion illustration and the luxury industry, not least thanks to his iconic collaborations with the house of Christian Dior, for whom he created some of the most famous advertising campaigns, notably for perfumes. Gruau's work is characterized by a bold use of clean lines, bold flat tints of color, often contrasted by large spaces of white, and an ability to capture movement and elegance with a simple brushstroke. He masters the art of contrast, playing with the obvious and the absent to emphasize the grace and sophistication of the female figures he depicts. His illustrations have an immediate visual impact and are instantly recognizable for their effective simplicity and timeless charm. In the 1940s and 1950s, Gruau became one of the most sought-after fashion illustrators, collaborating with prestigious magazines such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and L'Officiel. His creations for Dior, such as the posters for Miss Dior and Diorissimo perfumes, as well as for haute couture campaigns, helped define the image of the House of Dior in the collective imagination. Gruau has also worked for other major luxury brands, including Balenciaga, Givenchy and Valentino, imposing his unique style on the world of fashion and design. Beyond fashion, René Gruau has left his mark on the world of poster advertising, notably in the fields of entertainment and cosmetics. His ability to combine simplicity and refinement made him a timeless artist, whose influence is still felt today in fashion illustration and advertising. His work can be found in many prestigious collections, and he remains a key figure in the history of illustration and graphic design.