L’Éventail 

Editor: Here we have Eugène Grasset's "L’Éventail", a print showcasing a woman holding a fan, reminiscent of the Art Nouveau style. The yellows really dominate my first impression... It feels radiant. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The fan itself, doesn’t it remind you of the sun’s rays, but also perhaps of a peacock's plumage? There’s a lot happening with layering and symbols here. The fan becomes not just an object but a radiant emblem of femininity and perhaps a subtle nod to vanity, given its association with display and ornamentation. Consider the horse, too; what might it signify about status? Editor: That’s fascinating. The horse seems partially hidden and its inclusion feels intentional... class perhaps? Is the art nouveau style linked to particular symbolism or historical movements? Curator: Absolutely. Art Nouveau, emerging at the end of the 19th century, was a reaction against industrialization. Artists sought to return to natural forms. So, observe how Grasset uses flowing lines and floral motifs not merely as decoration but as conveyors of vitality and growth. Do you feel those connections, how line carries more meaning here? Editor: Now I see it; those sinuous lines and organic forms—it does breathe life. Thank you. This makes me see decorative arts with fresh eyes! Curator: Indeed. Visual language connects us across time.