L'Europe 

George Barbier created ‘L’Europe’ in 1920, using watercolor and ink on paper. These materials are deceptively simple, considering the image's rich visual effect. The flat application of color is typical of pochoir, a printing technique popular at the time that used stencils to build up layers of color, resulting in a hand-painted effect. The textures and patterns, from the stylized roses on the dresses to the ornate wallpaper, are meticulously rendered, giving us a window into the opulent world of the Parisian elite. Barbier was celebrated for his fashion illustrations, which captured the spirit of the Jazz Age. But there is a bittersweet quality to this scene. The delicate, precise lines, and the labor-intensive pochoir process, stand in stark contrast to the frivolous scene. The artist is asking us to consider the complex social and economic forces that shaped the art and culture of this era. By examining these factors, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between art, labor, and social life.