Toilette d'après midi en soie de chine broderie japonaise 1919

This print, ‘Toilette d'après midi en soie de chine broderie japonaise’, was made in 1919 using black and coloured inks on paper. Look at the thin, delicate lines that define the figure and her surroundings, it feels so poised, precise. I imagine the artist, maybe working in a small studio, carefully applying each line, each color, building up the image layer by layer. The color palette is muted and pastel, with a gentle touch of elegance. I love how the artist captured the reflection of the woman in the mirror, almost like a ghostly echo of her presence. There’s a lot of thoughtful layering, with the pattern on her clothing and the textures of the fabrics. It reminds me of the work of other fashion illustrators from that era, like Erté, who had a similar eye for detail and an interest in capturing the spirit of the times through fashion and design. You can see how artists are always referencing and building upon the work of those who came before them. It’s like an ongoing conversation.