Maurice Chevalier

Maurice Chevalier (1888–1972) was instantly recognizable wearing his trademark boater hat and tuxedo, was a beloved star of cabaret, vaudeville and film.He began life as a carpenter’s apprentice, but by 1911 had become Mistinguett’s dance partner onstage at the Folies Bergère and her lover offstage. His ability to speak English furthered his career beyond France.

Employing a simplified, modernist composition and palette of red, yellow, blue, black and white, Kiffer celebrates the exuberant spirit of this born entertainer. Chevalier received an honorary Academy Award in 1958 for his performances in Love in the Afternoon and Gigi. His star still shines on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and his signature song, “Thank Heaven for Little Girls,” still calls forth his smiling image