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George
Barbier (1882 - 1932)
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George Barbier studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts and began his career
as a costume and set designer for the Ballets Russes. Barbier is considered
one of the very finest illustrators in the Art Deco genre, although much
of his work is done in a Greek classic style influenced by his love of
antiquities.
Barbier was passionate about dance and illustrated many books on the subject.
Renowned for his work in costume and fashion illustration, Barbier also
explored poster art, textile and wallpaper design, packaging and postcards.
His books, particularly those done in collaboration with
Francois-Louis Schmied are masterpieces in Art Deco book illustration.
These titles include "Les Chansons de Bilitis," 1922; "Personnages
de Comedie,"1922; "Poemes en Prose," 1928; and "Vies Imaginaires,"
1929.
Barbier was a regular contributor to such fashion periodicals as "Journal
Des Dames et Des Modes," "Gazette du Bon Ton," and "Modes
et Manieres d'Aujourd'hui" in which he illustrated creations from
the finest fashion houses of Worth, Lanvin and Poiret. Barbier's women
were sophisticated and innocent, the men suave and elegant.
Other outstanding titles include "Les Cantiques de Cantiques,"
1911; "Le Bonheur du Jour," 1924; "Falbalas et Fanfreluches,"
1919-1924; and "Les Fetes Galantes," 1928.
Barbier imbued his images with a luxury and decadence that has come to
exemplify Art Deco's Golden Age.
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