Les Douze Mois de l'Année: Prairial 1919

Marthe Romme created "Les Douze Mois de l'Année: Prairial" using pochoir, a printmaking technique using stencils, and gouache, an opaque watercolor paint. Romme applied colors through stencils, creating a layered effect. Gouache allows for flat, matte colors, as we see in the stripes of the dress, which enhance the graphic quality of the artwork. The texture is smooth, achieved through careful application of the paint, a contrast with more painterly effects. The artistic process involved manual labor. Each color required a separate stencil, demanding precision and time. This labor-intensive production links to a culture of craftsmanship, where the value of the artwork lies in the skill and time invested. While it is not inherently critical of modes of production, it subtly highlights the human effort involved in creating something visually appealing. Romme merges artistic skill with a fashion sensibility, bridging fine art with commercial design, blurring the boundaries between high art and craft.