Paris, not published, 1924. Original black ink and watercolour drawing heightened with gold. On fine, J. Whatman wove paper. Size 24.5 x 19.0 cm.

A unique original aquarelle by the French artist Georges Augustin Barbier (1882-1932). Barbier was one of the foremost French Art Deco artists. "By epitomizing the more refined fantasies of the Parisian world of pleasure ... he became the most haunting of Art Deco book artists" (Ray). Barbier illustrated luxurious editions of several books, including Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Les Plus Belles Heures d'Amour de Casanova, and l'Escapade. He also designed theatre costumes, but he is perhaps best-known for his haute couture illustrations for such magazines as Journal des Dames et des Modes, and Gazette de Bon Ton. The present drawing may well be made for publication in the Bon Ton, as it features many illustrations by Barbier in the same style, i.e., without a background, in order to put emphasis on the model and her clothes. Signed: George [as often] Barbier 1924. A small blind-stamp, of paper makers J. Whatman, in the lower left corner, and lower left edges a bit irregular, for being uncut; some very weak toning, but generally in excellent condition. An archetypal Barbier: finely coloured and rich in detail. Ray, G. N. The Art Deco Book in France, p. 35.