Gazette du Bon Ton, 1920 - No. 5, Pl. 34 : Un peu beaucoup 1920

Fernand Siméon's print from the Gazette du Bon Ton in 1920 feels both of its time and utterly timeless. I can imagine the artist carving into the block, carefully removing slivers of wood to create these elegant figures. It’s fascinating to watch the evolution of fashion in art, and the material qualities of this print lend a certain warmth to the depiction of these women. The flat planes of color and bold outlines remind me of the graphic style popular at the time. But Siméon’s attention to detail and delicate handling of line also speak to a deep understanding of form and composition. Look at how the leaves are stylized. You know exactly what they are, even if they are not botanically correct. You can almost feel the cool ink on the page. And I always find myself wondering about the conversations between artists across generations, how they respond to each other's work, and how each new creation builds on what came before. It’s an ongoing exchange, a constant source of inspiration and reinvention!