Robe de taffetas 1913

George Barbier made "Robe de taffetas" as an illustration, using flowing lines and a muted palette. I imagine him in his studio, carefully hatching the lines of the dress, building up its form with delicate strokes. I wonder, did Barbier have a particular woman in mind when he made this image? Her gray dress looks like it’s made of taffeta. I can almost hear the sound of the fabric rustling! She is adorned with the softest pinks and oranges. The colors really glow against the grey of her robe, and the pale green weeping willow that surrounds her. Thinking about the broader context of Barbier’s time, you can see the influence of Art Deco. There is something about the precision and elegance of it all, but with an added layer of dreaminess. It makes me think of Tamara de Lempicka, with her bold and sensual portraits, and Erté’s theatrical fashion designs. Artists are always inspiring each other across time. What one does, influences the next. It's a continuous conversation.