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This is a hand coloured and plate-signed pochoir print from Modes et Manieres d'Aujourd'Hui (1914 edition, Plate XII), which was one of the most exclusive "lifestyle" publications to emerge from Paris (1912 to 1922). Its audience was the very wealthy. Existing copies are quite rare and highly collectible because of an annual edition size of only 300. This edition, entirely illustrated by Barbier, reprises the popular Harlequin theme with classic art deco styling in both the costume and background. Each image in this famous series is on fine Japan paper, echoing the uncompromising elegance of the period. The Venetian Ball scene was a favourite theme of artists from this era, a theme particularly exploited by Barbier's Italian colleague Brunelleschi. It is typical of Barbier to cover all the bases, to include all the social highnotes in his dedicated depiction of the times. The silvering used for the stars and fan is wonderfully tactile.
H.10.75in. X W.7.0in.; H.27.3cm. X W.17.8cm. |
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