Dans La Grotte

This beautiful pochoir illustration is from the work Fetes Galantes. It was printed in 1928 and was part of a limited edition series of 1200. The illustrations were completed by George Barbier. Each plate in the work was inspired by one of Paul Verlaine poems that reflect the gallant parties of the 18th century when the rich aristocrats of the French court used to play scenes from the commedia dell’ arte that were called Fetes Galantes.

George Barbier (1882-1932) was one of the greatest French artists of the early 20th century. He first exhibited in 1911 at the age of 29 where he gained many commissions to design costumes and illustrate works, fashion in particular. Barbier led a group nicknamed by Vogue “The Knights of the Bracelet” formed from artists from the Ecole des Beaux Arts and including Monvel, Brissaud, Iribe, Lepape, and Martin. Beyond his illustrations, Barbier created jewelry, glass and wallpaper design.