Amalie Lorch et ses Chiens Dalmatiens Circa 1930

This striking original poster from the 1930s captures the charm and novelty of Amalie Lorch, a remarkable female performer known for her touring act with an entire troupe of trained Dalmatian dogs. Designed in the heyday of variety theatre and traveling circuses, the poster is both a work of graphic art and a promotional tool, enticing audiences with promises of delightful entertainment and animal acrobatics. The layout resembles a performance program, segmented into scenes that display the dogs engaged in a variety of playful and complex tricks—walking tightropes, climbing ladders, forming geometric formations, and even donning little hats.

At the top right, Amalie Lorch is portrayed in a formal headshot, wearing an ornate feathered headdress that reinforces her role not just as a trainer, but as the star of the show. Her poised presence adds credibility and theatrical glamour, anchoring the composition visually. The dogs, rendered with care and humor, seem anthropomorphized in their balanced poses and expressive faces, suggesting a deep bond between the animals and their trainer.

The color palette—rich reds, yellows, pale blues, and greens—conveys a cheerful yet disciplined environment. Each element of the poster appears meticulously planned, from the symmetry of the platforms to the sequential storytelling that unfolds across the design. The style aligns with late Art Nouveau and early Art Deco illustration, maintaining clarity and flair while emphasizing movement and structure. These performances were likely held in theatres, variety halls, or big-top circuses throughout Europe, where audiences were drawn to the novelty of dog acts at a time when most animal shows focused on lions, elephants, or horses.

Posters like this were meant to be ephemeral and were often pasted in public spaces, making surviving examples rare and highly collectible. This piece exemplifies the intersection of commercial printing, performance culture, and early 20th-century visual design. Its lighthearted subject matter, combined with its unusual focus on a full team of performing dogs led by a woman, makes it a gem among vintage entertainment posters. Perfect for collectors of circus ephemera, Art Deco illustration, or canine history, it represents a playful and skillful moment in live performance art during the interwar period.

Spectacle - Animaux

Amalie Lorch et ces chiens Dalmatiens 

Bon état, traces de plis