Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, 1913, No. 102 : Robe de linon (...) 1913

Victor Lhuer made this print, Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costumes Parisiens, in 1913. I imagine him carefully inking the plate, wiping away the excess, then running it through the press, pulling back the paper to reveal the image. I wonder, was he thinking about the subtle ways that fashion can reflect the mood of a society, or was he simply trying to capture the elegance of a particular dress? The delicate lines and soft colors evoke a sense of refinement. The subtle washes create depth and volume, while the stark lines add a sense of structure. The floating petals, in particular, show his awareness of form, line, and negative space. It's almost as if he's painting with light. Fashion plates like this one aren't just about clothes; they're about identity, aspiration, and the art of self-expression. Artists like Lhuer were in conversation with their contemporaries, constantly pushing the boundaries of what painting could be.