Très Parisien, 1928, No. 5, 9e année 1928

Editor: Here we have an intriguing mixed-media work titled "Très Parisien, 1928, No. 5, 9e année," created in 1928 by an anonymous artist. It’s currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. What strikes me is the emphasis on line and shape—a very flat picture plane—and also its muted color scheme. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The composition hinges on the interplay between linear precision and the suggestion of depth through overlapping planes. The color choices – the ochre background against the pale lavender and powder blue details - evoke the sophistication inherent to Art Deco principles. Look closely: observe the verticality of the dress set against the diagonal slash. How does this tension inform our reading of the work? Editor: I see that tension. It’s like a struggle between flatness and depth. But also, I am intrigued that so much importance is assigned to geometric abstraction while still using figurative forms. Is there a kind of conversation there? Curator: Precisely. Notice the stylistic reduction of the figure and garment into basic geometric forms; the cylinder of her cloche, and the cascading angular patterns in her skirt. Do you agree that these choices redirect attention from pure representation to design principles? Editor: Yes, it pushes it towards a set of relationships based on line, shape, and tone and away from… an attempt to accurately depict this person or this garment. I’m starting to see that this approach speaks volumes about its time and perhaps shifts the intent away from simple aesthetics. Curator: An excellent observation! It invites us to reflect upon not just WHAT we are seeing, but HOW the visual language directs our gaze and structures our comprehension. Editor: Thanks, I will certainly look at more Art Deco work. I see form plays just as important a part in meaning as other factors do!