Journal des Demoiselles, Supplement au No. 21, 1 Novembre 1913, No. 5236 : Modes de Paris 1913

This fashion plate, printed in Paris in November 1913, gives me the sense that the artist was interested in mark-making as a process, and how colour can be used to evoke a particular mood. The palette is muted, with browns and blues dominating the composition, but it is the subtle variations in the lines that catch my eye. Looking closer, I notice how the artist used hatching to create the illusion of texture on the garments, with the dense vertical lines of the striped suit contrasting with the softer, more diffuse shading of the dress. This creates a real sense of depth and dimension. The physical properties of the medium is such that the ink sits on the surface of the paper, with the colour being built up through layers of fine lines. It's as if the artist is trying to capture the essence of these garments, rather than simply depicting them realistically. It reminds me of the work of Balthus, who often used a similar approach to create a sense of mystery and intrigue in his paintings. Art is an ongoing conversation, and this print is a perfect example of how artists can draw inspiration from each other across time and cultures.