Dans La Loge Officielle 1942

"Dans La Loge Officielle", or "In the Official Box," is a print by Paul Jacoulet. It depicts two women adorned in vibrant kimonos, seated with contemplative expressions. The composition is dominated by the elaborate patterns of the kimonos, rich in floral motifs and peacock feathers, rendered in soft pinks, blues, and oranges. Jacoulet’s woodblock print operates through a sophisticated arrangement of signs, interweaving cultural codes of East and West. Notice how the flatness of the picture plane and the stylized figures nod to traditional Japanese Ukiyo-e prints. The artist integrates a Western aesthetic through the Art Deco-inspired geometric patterns and the women's flapper-like hairstyles. The composition is carefully structured. The juxtaposition of the detailed patterns against the pale backdrop highlights the decorative richness, while the subtle gradations in color add depth. This creates a visual tension that invites the viewer to consider the interplay between surface and depth, representation, and abstraction.