Petit manteau de velours 1914

George Barbier made Petit manteau de velours, sometime around 1914, using ink on paper. This piece is all about the power of line –– the way a simple stroke can evoke form, texture, and even emotion. Look closely, and you'll see how Barbier uses the varying thickness of the lines to create a sense of depth. The dress, with its bold vertical stripes, almost seems to vibrate against the softer, cloud-like shapes in the background. It’s like he's playing with our perception, making us question what's solid and what's ephemeral. The delicate tendrils of the tree mirror the tassels on her dress, creating a subtle echo that unifies the composition. It reminds me of the playful elegance you find in the work of Erté, another master of Art Deco illustration. Both artists understood that art is a conversation, a constant exchange of ideas across time.