Ses modèles exclusifs, René Sacerdote, ca. 1921, No. 141 : Robe d'après-mid (...) c. 1921

This fashion plate was made by Victor Lhuer in about 1921, probably with watercolor and ink on paper. The process is so clear, you can see the hand of the artist in the controlled lines and washes. It’s as much about the making as it is about the dress, really. The artist has described the clothing in a muted palette, with the textures rendered in simple lines. It feels flat, but not entirely. Look at the black skirt and the vertical lines, it feels like the artist added these one by one and with great care. The artist’s hand is clear, with no attempt to hide the process. The green slipper peeking out from under the skirt is my favorite part of the picture! It’s a playful contrast to the dark skirt, like a secret revealed. This reminds me of Erté, but with a gentler, more intimate touch. It's all about the ongoing dance of vision and interpretation, and the beautiful messiness of art itself.