Les Modes, 1903 : Mme Réjane / ROBE DE DINER 1903

This photogravure, published in 1903 by Léopold Reutlinger, captures Madame Réjane in a dinner gown. It’s like seeing a dream, isn't it? The background is so murky, it’s a swirl of grey which makes Réjane look as though she's floating. The dress itself seems to be made of light, or maybe clouds. I'm immediately drawn to the detail in the lace; it’s so delicate. The way the light catches the fabric, you can almost feel the texture. There’s something about the folds and layers that reminds me of paint, the way it can build up and create depth. This piece makes me think about how we construct images, how we use light and shadow to create a mood. Reutlinger's work shares an sensibility with someone like Nadar. It's less about the literal representation and more about capturing something ephemeral, something that hints at the passing of time. Art is like a conversation, an exchange of ideas across time, and this image invites us to listen in.