Gazette du Bon Ton, 1915 - No. 8-9: p. 24: Atours simples: dameshoeden 1915

This fashion plate, Gazette du Bon Ton, was made in 1915 by George Barbier, and check out the almost nonchalant way Barbier approaches line and color. He’s not trying to trick you into thinking this is real; the image is all about process. I love how he uses just a few simple lines to suggest volume and shape, and then BAM!, a pop of color to draw your eye. Look at that pink stripe on the lady's wrap - it's so simple, but it totally makes the image. Barbier really understood how to get the most out of the least, and that is a mark of a true artist. It reminds me a little of Matisse, or maybe even some of the early Pop artists. Ultimately, this is a reminder that art is a conversation, an ongoing exchange of ideas across time. Barbier's work embraces ambiguity and multiple interpretations, and that's what makes it so exciting to look at.