Studio Potraits of Germaine Urtebise c. 1920 - 1925

This is a vintage portrait of Germaine Urtebise by René Lonthie. Lonthie must have been quite the character, framing Germaine with such elegance and wit. I can imagine him adjusting the lights in his studio, carefully arranging the folds of her dress, and joking with her to create a relaxed atmosphere. Look at how the dress billows around her! The eye is drawn to the dark, rich material of her dress, which is artfully contrasted by the delicate flower embellishments. It's almost as if Lonthie is painting with light, capturing a fleeting moment of beauty and grace. You can feel the tactile quality of the fabric, its weight and drape. This photograph reminds me of painters like Manet or Degas, who captured the spirit of their time with a similar blend of realism and flair. The conversation between artists across time is what keeps art alive, don't you think? It is all about embracing ambiguity and uncertainty, and always allowing room for new interpretations.