Robe d’intérieur 1913

This print, Robe d’intérieur, by George Barbier, uses flat planes of colour and pattern to create a very stylized interior. It's all about the surface, the feel of ink on paper, and the way these elements interact to create a mood. Look at the coral-like shapes snaking across the woman's robe – how they echo the coral in the fishbowl, creating a visual rhyme. It’s like Barbier is thinking about how we decorate our lives, and how those decorations reflect our inner states. The colour scheme is muted, with a gentle palette of reds, greens, and creams. The background is a dark floral, a theatrical setting for the woman in her robe. The lines are super clean and defined. It’s like Japanese prints meet Art Deco, with a dash of surreal wit thrown in. Artists like Erté come to mind, with his similarly elegant and playful approach to form and colour. Art is just a conversation, where artists riff off each other, creating new and surprising combinations. This piece is a reminder that art doesn't have to be solemn or serious; it can be light, playful, and full of unexpected connections.