Très Parisien, 1927 No. 3, Pl. 6: Création AGNES - TABAC BLOND 1927

Curator: This image, titled "Très Parisien, 1927 No. 3, Pl. 6: Création AGNES - TABAC BLOND" by G-P. Joumard, dates back to 1927. It's currently held at the Rijksmuseum and showcases a delightful watercolor and ink drawing on paper. Editor: It has a very chic, muted elegance about it, doesn't it? The color palette, the pose...everything whispers of 1920s Paris, and sophistication and that long cigarette makes it kind of decadent. Curator: Absolutely. The Art Deco influence is strong, and it speaks to the changing role of women and fashion at the time, particularly in France. Smoking cigarettes was becoming an important fashion symbol. It has the feel of an illustration you would see on a cover. Editor: And the repetition of circles throughout the design — in the dress pattern, as a decoration, her necklace—almost acts as a talisman. The circles symbolize wholeness, cycles of life, that kind of thing, but here there is the further symbolism of wealth with how its design mimics gold coinage. It subtly infuses the figure with an aura of luxury and completeness. Curator: The image feels decidedly modern. While the text explicitly states, "Tabac Blond" it may subtly hint at the blond flapper, even if that wasn't explicitly stated. The rise of leisure, changing social mores and women’s access to previously closed male areas may explain that phenomenon. The drawing definitely reflects that time! Editor: Right! I see that cultural shift too – women in positions of luxury, fashion-forward. The flapper haircut! She's got that modern confidence. Even the "Tabac Blond" could symbolize the woman's move from brunette styles and trends into blond hair and trends. The text further states that there are multiple layered, minute little ribbons. Perhaps, layered like hair strands on this particular girl, who seems rather well kept! Curator: Examining the history of "Création AGNES," it will probably offer some amazing insights to 1920's consumer and fashion culture as it reflected art's turn toward industrial application. It certainly deserves more study. Editor: Definitely! With each symbol, a new perspective! The power of image really is how timeless cultural insight remains intact.