Voici mes ailes ! 1922

George Barbier made "Voici mes ailes!" sometime in the early 20th century, most likely as a print. The title translates as "Here are my wings!", and these wings are the flowing sleeves of the central figure, each covered with a riot of colourful blooms. Barbier uses a kind of stencil technique, applying flat areas of colour within bold outlines, to give the impression of a stylized fashion plate. What I love about this kind of work is the relationship between design and process, how the final image emerges from these carefully planned stages of colour, shape, and line. Look at the way he gives detail to the dresses through the use of very fine vertical marks, each one individually placed to create the overall impression of shadow and depth. Barbier's work is similar to other illustrators like Erté, who were working in Paris at this time, and like them, he understood that art is never about perfect representation, but is a dance between intention, medium, and chance.