Minhuit … ou l’appartement a la mode 1920

This print by George Barbier, *Minhuit... ou l’appartement a la mode*, presents an opulent domestic interior. The whole scene appears to be drawn with delicate lines and soft colors, like a dream or a perfume ad. I am immediately drawn to the woman who seems to have been taken by surprise. What could she be thinking? Has she seen a ghost? Or is she startled to see us looking at her? The space is full of luxurious details, with the pinks and corals of the cushions and the floral tendrils creating a soft, enveloping atmosphere. It's a celebration of style and leisure but with a hint of something unexpected. This print reminds me of other decorative artists, and I can see a clear conversation across time. Artists are always looking, noticing, and reimagining each other’s visions, and isn't that the best kind of gossip?