Directoire 

Curator: This piece is called "Directoire" by Erté. Erté, of course, being the pseudonym for Romain de Tirtoff, a Russian-born French artist and designer, primarily known for his elegant fashion illustrations that captured the Art Deco spirit. We believe this artwork was composed with acrylic paints. Editor: Oh, my goodness, she looks like she's floating! It's that ethereal quality, almost as if she's a beautifully designed kite, drifting along on a pastel breeze. There’s something undeniably chic but slightly mournful about her stance too. Curator: The figure's pose and costume design definitely evoke a certain historical moment, nodding towards the Directoire period following the French Revolution. Her garments, especially that column dress, symbolize an aesthetic shift and a return to classical antiquity that followed a turbulent period. This wasn't merely about clothing; it mirrored broader societal changes and philosophical viewpoints that valued simplicity and order. Editor: Yes, the simplicity! It’s all elegant restraint, isn't it? You've got these controlled curves, the almost mathematically precise details but then, the way that turquoise scarf things swirls! That teal gives it this…underwater feeling somehow. It’s very calming. Curator: Absolutely. Considering Erté’s work within a wider historical context is revealing. Fashion illustration was certainly not just about showcasing clothes. It performed a significant cultural function in representing shifting ideals of beauty, gender roles, and societal aspirations. The decorative-art qualities evident in his creations made his visions really accessible across different segments of society. Editor: The overall effect gives a great visual treat, really! The flat application of colour makes it crisp, clean and a little bit playful despite the subject’s sombre poise. The contrast with the opulent Art Deco style it later embraced is significant. I love this tension, like she's trying to decide between different eras, poised on the edge of something new. Curator: Indeed, I appreciate the multiple layers present here: between its surface appearance and its deeper reflection on history. The decorative art style provides a window into complex themes regarding gender and modernity during a period marked by change. Editor: To be able to reflect, and design through it…well, that is just superb, right?