Très Parisien, 1926, No. 1, Pl. 18: L'OMBRE DES JEUNES FILLES 1926

This fashion plate, Très Parisien, was made in 1926, by G-P. Joumard, we think using a printmaking process. The colours are a really interesting mix of muted tones and pops of red, which makes it feel both modern and old-fashioned at the same time, like a faded memory. I love how the colours are laid down in flat planes. There’s not much blending or shading, which gives it a graphic, almost poster-like quality. And yet, within those flat areas, you can see subtle variations and textures, like the grain of the paper coming through. The areas of white space, especially around the heads and shoulders, are really dynamic, creating a sense of movement and lightness. Look at how the patterns on the dresses interact with the flat background, it’s like the figures are emerging from the ground, or maybe dissolving back into it. I'm reminded of Matisse in the way that colour and pattern work together to create a sense of depth and rhythm. It's a really interesting example of how art can be both representational and abstract, realistic and dreamlike, all at the same time.