The New York herald., 1921-04-24
FRENCH ACTRESS
SUES WHEN MADE
UGLY IN CARTOON
Tn Beautiful Insists &C.
cile Sorel in Asking 10000
Francs Damages.
'BIB,' ARTIST, BENEFITS
Unknown Before, He Has Be-
come Famous as Result of
Controversy.
'BIB,' ARTIST, BENEFITS
Special Cable to THE New York HERALD.
Copyright, 1891, by THE NEW YORK HERALD.

Special Cable to THE New YoRK HERALD.
Copyright, 1891, bv THE NEW YORK HEaALp
New York Herald Bureau.
Paris, April 20.
Johnny Coulon's record for free pub
licity was beaten here this week by
Cecile Sorel. one of the leading MEM
bers Of the Coincide F'rancaise, In pro-
testing against a caricature by Bib"
hitherto unknown artist, and de-
manding damages to the amount OF
10000 francs because BIB" syste-
matically translated her features to
the nth degree of ugliness. The result,
however, is that "Bib's' fame is GER
tain, and the Salon des Humoristes
was never so crowded as it has been
since Mile. Sorel began her wild rage,
wherein she apostrophized beauty. with
herself as the leading modern ex-
ample.
Paris newspapers have been full of a
lively discussion of just how far an
artist can go-even humorous artists
in destroying public appreciation of
prominent personages, there being a big
division on the subject. Artists, natu-
rally. are upholding the rights of their
colleagues while Mile. Sorel dramati-
cally crossed her is in her action by
smashing the glass which covered the
Objectionable caricature = incidentally
getting another column of free adver-
tising by losing on that occasion
ruby worth thousands of francs. How
ever the ruby was found in a taxicab
the following afternoon. and more
newspaper clippings were added to Mile.
Sorels collection.
'Of course 1 am beautiful" she de-
clared to reporters. II know / am,
but Bib does not appreciate beauty.
He lacks the delicate esprit which al
ways has marked French art. That Is
why l am going to make him pay.
Moreover French women are repre-
scented the world over as the very soul
of gracefulness and charm, giving the
greatest example of womanly elegance.
But in this work Bib is not only rude
but he attacks the homage which every
man owes to womankind."
offence Charged to "Bib."
AS a matter of fact bib" has only
followed the usual caricaturist prin-
ciple of lengthening the eyelashes, de-
creasing the size of the eyes and
SlTeSSlnB the bWdIlllht IuTodl VI Nliie.
Sorel He declared that before he did
this work he made more than 700
sketches. lie suggested that his ef-
forts could not be 50 bad after all, as
all that saw the result in the salon
recognized II as a cartoon OF Mile. Sorel.
Abel Faivre. one of the most famous
OF the French caricaturists, has come to
'iBib's" support, declaring that Mile.
Sorel's complaint is founded on the fact
.ha haa Nv fbr long
homage of the French theatregoers. and.
therefore. "Bbs" unexpected attack
struck more cruelty than usually is the
case. Mile Sorel has not yet summoned
NJ. Faivre for this criticism
At the same time Maurice Neumont,
vice-president of the salon. has entered
the field with the plea that the funny"
artists liberty be not interfered with,
or else scores of satirical and cynical
revues will no longer have a raison
detre.
what would happen IL Clemenceau,
BRAND. Wilson or Taft got into fury
every time he was caricatured?' M.
Neumont asks.
women's Opinions on Matter.
But the criticisms by prominent
women in regard to Mile. Sorel's action
against BIB" carry a sting which Is
distinctly FEMININE. FOR instance. one
of these women. after declaring her af-
fection for Mile, Sorel because "she is
somewhat priGgish,'' adds that the
actress should have demanded at least
10000 francs in return for valuable
advertising services she has rendered
"Bib." Mile. Polaire and Mile. Mistin
guiett laugh at Mile. Sorel's worrits.
recalling scores OF times when they
have been pictured as having fearful
features Mile Polaire prizing a collec-
tion OF sketches by Sem" wherein she
is represented with donkey's head. all
because her lower jaw is slightly exag-
gerated.
But the Countess Dencailles. we'll
known as a poet and n brilliant figure
in contemporary French literature. in
sists that Mile Sore is right, as the
right 10 draw caricatures should not
be permitted to any other than the
greatest artists. who unconsciously por-
tray the most beautiful characters rather
than objectionable hdeousness. To all
OF which Mile. Sorel replies.
Certainly ] am beautiful. BIB Is
mistaken"
Meanwhile BIB" was reported TO
have sent the most costly roses to Mile.
sorel as his first peace offering.
The caricature Of Mile. Sorel has been
purchased by Senator Demonze. who
has recided 10 sell Il at auction lir the
benefit OF the poor OF his native Village.
which will give more publicity