About this artwork
This fashion plate from Journal des Demoiselles, made in 1914, shows us two women on the verge of a monumental shift. The artist, whomever they were, uses these delicate lines to outline a whole mood. The textures here are all implied, of course, but it's amazing how the controlled hatching gives a sense of depth, like you could reach out and feel the folds of the blue dress or the crispness of the white collar. It's like they're saying, "Here's a possibility, a way to be." Look at the bow on the white dress – it’s almost cartoonish, but it’s also so central to the composition, grounding the whole image. This piece reminds me a little of the later work of Erté, especially in the way it captures a specific moment in time. Both artists offer us a glimpse into a world of elegance and aspiration, while playing with a sense of form and representation. It’s like they're inviting you to dream along with them, but it's up to you to fill in the blanks.
Artwork details
- Medium
- drawing, print, pen
- Dimensions
- height 285 mm, width 200 mm
- Copyright
- Rijks Museum: Open Domain
Tags
Comments
The Journal des Demoiselles had been published since 1833 as a fashion magazine for young women. In the 1914-1915 season it presented an ankle-length skirt so narrow it was nicknamed the ‘hobble skirt’. The slim silhouette was completed with either a small cap known as a toque or a broad-brimmed hat. Parasols continued to be an indispensable accessory to shield one’s face from the sun and, more importantly, to prevent it from becoming tanned.
About this artwork
This fashion plate from Journal des Demoiselles, made in 1914, shows us two women on the verge of a monumental shift. The artist, whomever they were, uses these delicate lines to outline a whole mood. The textures here are all implied, of course, but it's amazing how the controlled hatching gives a sense of depth, like you could reach out and feel the folds of the blue dress or the crispness of the white collar. It's like they're saying, "Here's a possibility, a way to be." Look at the bow on the white dress – it’s almost cartoonish, but it’s also so central to the composition, grounding the whole image. This piece reminds me a little of the later work of Erté, especially in the way it captures a specific moment in time. Both artists offer us a glimpse into a world of elegance and aspiration, while playing with a sense of form and representation. It’s like they're inviting you to dream along with them, but it's up to you to fill in the blanks.
Comments
The Journal des Demoiselles had been published since 1833 as a fashion magazine for young women. In the 1914-1915 season it presented an ankle-length skirt so narrow it was nicknamed the ‘hobble skirt’. The slim silhouette was completed with either a small cap known as a toque or a broad-brimmed hat. Parasols continued to be an indispensable accessory to shield one’s face from the sun and, more importantly, to prevent it from becoming tanned.
