Manteau de Zibelin 1912

George Barbier crafted this pochoir print, 'Manteau de Zibelin,' around 1912. The artwork presents a fashionable woman adorned in a fur coat, complete with a broad hat and striking jewelry. The fur, a symbol of wealth and status, goes back to ancient times, evoking images of tribal garments and ceremonial robes, signifying power and protection. Think of ancient rulers draped in animal skins, connecting them to the primal forces of nature. The green jewels, perhaps emeralds, carry connotations of rebirth, fertility, and connection to nature. These jewels remind us of the Iznik ceramics color palette from the Ottoman Empire, and the ever-changing relationship between nature and artifice. Barbier's composition, with its elegant lines and focus on luxurious materials, triggers deep-seated emotional responses related to status and aspiration. This image isn't merely a depiction; it's an activation of cultural memory, bringing forth a complex web of associations that continue to evolve.