Modes et Manières d'Aujourd'hui, 1922, Pl. 8 : Intérieur 1922 - 1923

Fernand Siméon created this print titled "Intérieur" as part of the "Modes et Manières d'Aujourd'hui" series in 1922, capturing a moment in the shifting landscape of gender and cultural identity in post-World War I Paris. The print depicts a woman in an interior, seemingly relaxed on a couch with a cigarette in hand. The scene is layered with references to contemporary life and the rising interest in Asian art. The art on the wall behind her reflects the era's fascination with 'the Orient,' yet the woman's modern dress and relaxed posture challenge traditional representations. She embodies the 'New Woman' of the 1920s, enjoying newfound freedoms while still framed by the male gaze evident in the fashion-driven context of the print series. The image offers a glimpse into the complex negotiation of identity, desire, and representation in a rapidly changing society, reflecting both the opportunities and constraints faced by women.