Très Parisien, 1923, No 5: 8.- PRÉ CATELAN. - Voici une bien... 1923

This fashion plate was made in 1923, and it's got this delicate, almost hesitant quality to it. Like it came into being tentatively through a series of light touches and layered impressions. I can imagine the artist leaning in close, gently coaxing the image onto the page with a fine nib and diluted inks. The lines are so precise, yet there’s a certain airiness, like the whole thing could float away if you’re not careful. You can see the ghost of Art Nouveau, but it is already giving way to the cooler geometry of Art Deco that was happening back then. Look at how the pale washes of color define the figure, creating a sense of depth without ever feeling heavy. The way the artist captured the ephemeral quality of lace with just a few deft strokes. It reminds me that artists are always in conversation across time, riffing off one another's ideas and techniques, and inspiring each other to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Making marks that leave space for multiple readings.