Dimensions: height 270 mm, width 182 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This fashion plate, made in France in 1931 by an anonymous artist, uses lithography to depict two women wearing gowns by the designer Jenny. These images were featured in the magazine, "Très Parisien," which served the purpose of advertising the latest trends to an exclusive clientele. The streamlined silhouettes and geometric patterns reflect the influence of the Art Deco movement, as well as the changing roles of women in the interwar period. The woman on the left, with her short hair and ‘sporty’ dress, embodies a new ideal of feminine athleticism and independence. The Rijksmuseum's acquisition of this fashion plate speaks to the evolving role of museums in preserving not just 'high art' but also popular imagery and design, for this kind of image can reveal the social and cultural values of its time. Further research into magazines like "Très Parisien" can reveal much about the relationship between fashion, art, and modern life in the early 20th century.
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