Paul Bolo (1 results)

[Paris: S.n., c. 1918] (illustrator). [Paris: S.n., c. 1918]. Sem's Account of a Notable Treason Trial: The Bola-Pacha Affair [Trial]. Sem [Gorsat (Goursat), Georges (1863-1934)]. Bolo, Paul [d. 1918], Defendant. Affaire Bola-Pacha: 68 Croquis d'Audience par Sem. [Paris: S.n., c. 1918]. 68 lithographic images on 24 sheets and a sheet of captions, all 12-1/2" x 10" (31.75 x 25.4 cm), in a printed wrapper housed in a printed folder. From a signed edition of 300 on Arches paper, this number 283. Light soiling and edgewear to outer folder, a few minor tears along fold lines, short minor tear to spine of inner folder, light stain to caption sheet, plates fine. $1,750. * From a signed edition of 300 on Arches paper, this number 283. This rare portfolio captures the high-stakes courtroom drama of Paul Bolo, a French financier turned traitor. Bolo orchestrated a massive anti-war propaganda campaign in France using $2.5 million in German funds-funneled through the Egyptian Khedive, Abbas Hilmi. After the plot was unmasked, Bolo (who had adopted the title "Bolo Pasha") was convicted of treason and executed by firing squad in April 1918. Across 68 masterful lithographic sketches, the renowned caricaturist Sem (Georges Goursat) documents the tension of the proceedings. His sharp, economical lines bring to life the judge, the defiant defendant, and the parade of witnesses. While Sem is best known for his whimsical depictions of the Belle Epoque elite, this work demonstrates his keen eye for the psychological weight of a national crisis. Georges Goursat, better known as Sem, was the premier social chronicler of his age. A regular contributor to France's leading periodicals, his work remains highly esteemed today for its ability to capture the essence of the French ruling class with equal parts wit and precision.