José Luis Florit | The Romantic Dandy (1942) | Hand-Illuminated Drawing

An original work from 1942 that recreates the elegance of the 19th century. This mixed-media piece features a printed base that has been manually enhanced with color by the artist himself.

History and Curatorial Analysis

This piece, signed by José Luis Florit (1909-2000) and dated 1942, is an excellent example of mid-20th century fashion illustration. The work depicts a young gentleman dressed according to the canons of romantic fashion: a fitted blue tailcoat, waistcoat, white stirrup trousers, and a black cravat.

The composition includes elements that reinforce the character's noble or literary nature: an Empire-style chair on which a top hat rests, writing implements on the table, and a sketched coat of arms in the background. During this period, Florit excelled in his work as a set designer and illustrator, which is reflected in the figure's languid and elegant pose. The value of the piece lies in its manual illumination technique, where the use of color adds volume and a unique vibrancy to the base drawing, especially highlighting the intensity of the blue in the clothing.

Why is this piece an opportunity for your collection?

• Signature and relevant period: Dated 1942, the work belongs to a period of great creative activity for Florit in the field of Spanish illustration, making it a piece of interest for collectors of post-war graphic arts.

• Period aesthetic and fashion collecting: Historical costume figures have a very loyal market of their own. This work fits perfectly into décors seeking a touch of classic, literary distinction, or those linked to the world of theatre and fashion design.

• Artisanal character: Being hand-illuminated, the piece transcends mechanical reproduction. The nuances of the brush and the direct application of color to the support give it a unique quality as a work of art.

• Decorative presence: With a format of 47.5 x 33 cm, it is a generously sized work that looks especially good in study environments, libraries, or spaces with antique furniture.

Technical Data Sheet

• Artist: José Luis Florit Rodero (Madrid, 1909 - Paris, 2000).

• Title / Theme: Figure of a romantic gentleman with a blue tailcoat.

• Year: 1942.

• Technique: Period print with manual color touch-ups (watercolor/gouache).

• Dimensions: 47.5 x 33 cm.

• Inscriptions: Signed "Florit" and dated "42" in the lower right corner.

• Style / Movement: Fashion illustration / Neoromanticism.

• Provenance: Private Collection.

• Condition: Good. The paper has the natural warm tone of age and the colors of the manual touch-up remain vibrant and well-defined.

The Workshop's Note

In this figure, José Luis Florit demonstrates his mastery in capturing the essence of a bygone era with the sensibility of the 1940s. It is a work that combines the rigor of costume drawing with a very attractive poetic atmosphere. Due to its date and authorship, it represents an excellent opportunity to acquire an original testament to mid-century Spanish illustration with high decorative value.

Includes Collector's Dossier: This set comes with a research study, technical sheet, and curatorial context prepared and printed by El Taller del Coleccionista, certifying our research and known provenance.