Mistinguett, Casino De Paris 1920

This poster by Leonetto Cappiello from 1920 depicts Mistinguett, a star of the Casino de Paris, enveloped in feathers. The feathers, a prominent motif, evoke lightness, flight, and a certain extravagance, but also something darker. Think back to ancient Egypt, where feathers adorned the goddess Ma'at, symbolizing truth and cosmic balance. Yet, here, these feathers serve a different purpose, transforming the performer into a creature of spectacle. There is something primal here, and even a little demonic. Consider the headdress that seems to sprout horns, and the dark shadows around the eyes, suggesting a subconscious connection to temptation. The spiral-like composition of the dress draws us in, echoing the cyclical nature of performance itself, and the endless repetition of cultural symbols. From divine emblems to theatrical artifice, the feather embodies the evolution of meaning across time, engaging our collective memory and resurfacing in new, evocative forms.