''Dishonored'', 1931 - art by Dolly Rudeman

A vintage movie poster from the Netherlands of ''Dishonored'', a 1931 American pre-Code spy drama film directed by Josef von Sternberg, starring... more

by Movie World Posters

Title

''Dishonored'', 1931 - art by Dolly Rudeman

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster

Description

A vintage movie poster from the Netherlands of ''Dishonored'', a 1931 American pre-Code spy drama film directed by Josef von Sternberg, starring Marlene Dietrich in the lead role. The film is notable for its stylish cinematography, strong performances, and its exploration of espionage and intrigue during World War I.

The story centers around Marie Kolverer, portrayed by Marlene Dietrich, a young Austrian prostitute who is recruited by the Austrian Secret Service to become a spy during World War I. Her code name is "X-27," and she uses her charm and wit to seduce and extract information from high-ranking enemy officers.

As X-27, Marie becomes embroiled in a web of espionage and danger, with her life constantly at risk as she navigates the treacherous world of wartime espionage. She encounters Colonel Kranau, played by Victor McLaglen, a Russian officer who falls in love with her, leading to a complicated romantic and professional relationship.

"Dishonored" explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the blurred lines between duty and personal feelings in the world of espionage. Marlene Dietrich's performance as X-27 is a highlight of the film, showcasing her magnetic screen presence and her ability to convey a sense of mystery and sensuality.

The film's visual style, created by the collaboration between director Josef von Sternberg and cinematographer Lee Garmes, is celebrated for its artful and atmospheric cinematography, as well as its use of shadows and lighting to create a moody and evocative atmosphere.

"Dishonored" is considered one of the classic films of the early 1930s and is part of the iconic collaborations between Marlene Dietrich and director Josef von Sternberg. It is appreciated for its combination of espionage drama, romance, and Dietrich's captivating performance. The film's exploration of the moral complexities of espionage and its stylish presentation make it a notable entry in Hollywood's early sound era.

About the artist:

Dolly Rudeman (1902-1980) was a Dutch graphic designer and the only woman in the Netherlands to design film posters in the 1920s. She produced posters for many famous directors and film stars, including Sergei Eisenstein, Charlie Chaplin, and Greta Garbo.

Rudeman is the queen of movie poster design of the 1920s, the only woman in a male-dominated world. The Dutch artist offered the public infinite shades of femininity through the faces and glances of great actresses. In her artworks, there is no longer merely the sensual beauty highlighted by her other illustrious colleagues, but also the strength, the icy and melancholic gaze, the rebellious and determined attitude of the women of her era.

Her style is bold, austere, almost futuristic. She uses geometric shapes and a black and decisive stroke. The color palette is limited to red backgrounds, white, with female faces in the foreground. Looking at her movie posters, it seems to be in front of the Art Deco work of the painter Tamara de Lempicka, for the same clear use of lines and bright colors. In the art of Dolly Rudeman, there is the reflection of all the modernity of the 20s, the unconventionality of female emancipation at the dawn of time.

Rudeman was born in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) to Dutch parents. Her father died before she was born. Her mother took the family back to the Netherlands when Rudeman was a teenager.

Rudeman studied art at the Hague Drawing Institute after her move to the Netherlands. Then, starting in the 1920s, she worked for the Netherlands Cinema Trust. Her poster for Charlie Chaplin's film, The Circus, became the first to win the Dutch government's official seal of approval. By 1932, she had designed more than 150 posters and 70 programs.

Rudeman learned to work quickly on her poster art, typically producing two or three posters per week. Unfortunately, she seldom had time to see the films she illustrated since her posters needed to be displayed before the movie appeared in theaters. However, she was able to create artwork using a selection of photos of the stars and a script of the scene to be illustrated.

In the early 1930s, she produced special assignments and exhibited as a solo artist and in group shows. She expanded her career in design but, concerned about her financial security as an artist, began designing film posters.

Rudeman's work impacted the national press. She became known for her bold, futuristic style, both austere and dynamic. Her employers and the public alike appreciated her work, considering it in tune with the modernity of the 1920s. Her work was recognized for having at least three main identifying features: good taste, a feel for color, and originality.

Unfortunately, work became scarce during the Second World War. With minimal income, she nonetheless was able to aid Jews hiding during the Nazi occupation. After the war ended in 1945, she returned to designing posters.

In the 1950s, she expanded into other design forms such as postcards, chocolate boxes, and ceramics. However, she never regained her pre-war fame and died in relative obscurity in Amsterdam in 1980. As a result, most of her work is lost, save for tracings of some 120 posters dating from 1926 to 1935.

Search "Rudeman" to see her other art.

Uploaded

January 19th, 2022