Très Parisien, février 1922: 9.- OUARDA 1922

This is "Très Parisien, février 1922: 9.- OUARDA," by J. Dory. It's from 1922, and is currently at the Rijksmuseum. It seems to be made using ink and watercolour. Looking at this, what strikes me is the relationship between the blue and the yellow. There's the flatness of the colour blocks, but with small details that add a sense of depth. The blue of the dress is like a calm sea, while the yellow is a burst of sunshine. I'm drawn to the ribbons around the skirt and arms. The shadows that Dory has added makes them look 3D, like they're about to unravel. It's not just about the clothes, it's about the attitude and gesture of the figure. It reminds me of some of Matisse's cut outs, where simple shapes come together to create a whole world. And like any great artwork, there's something elusive about it. It invites you to look closer, to imagine the story behind the image, and to find your own meaning within it.