Sortilèges by Georges Barbier (1922) – Art Deco Art Print

This print features Georges Barbier’s “Sortilèges” (Enchantments), crafted in 1922, showcasing an elegant evening gown designed by de Beer. This piece epitomises the height of Barbier’s artistic prowess during the vibrant Roaring Twenties, a time when Art Deco had firmly established itself as the prevailing decorative style. The artwork depicts a mystical winged figure adorned in a finely beaded evening dress, capturing the glamour and refinement synonymous with the Jazz Age.

Barbier’s partnership with couturier de Beer highlights his enduring impact on haute couture throughout the 1920s. His distinctive style evolved to incorporate the sharper, more geometric lines characteristic of mature Art Deco, whilst still brilliantly conveying feminine grace and opulent fashion. The striking composition, imbued with a celestial motif and meticulous detail, echoes the era’s fascination with exoticism and fantasy.

By 1922, Barbier had secured his reputation as one of Paris’s most coveted fashion illustrators, shaping the visual language of a period marked by emancipation, modernity, and creative innovation. This work perfectly illustrates the harmonious blend of fashion, fantasy, and decorative art that cemented Barbier’s status as an icon of early twentieth-century illustration.