Girl Posing and Laughing c. 1919
spring/summer 1912
The Met says: Jeanne Paquin’s affinity to historical styles is evident in this modern translation of the late 18th century shepherdess style worn by Marie Antoinette and her ladies at Fountainbleu. The cotton “fichu” and “apron” are embroidered with chain stitch, a modern version of 18th century tambour work. The green silk panel wrapping around the torso and forming two crisscross panels is a paired down contemporary interpretation of the 18th century polonaise overskirt. The old and new are likewise combined in the highly stylized, abstracted rendering of the garland motif, an 18th century decorative staple.
“The enormous agate-black eyes seemed to be eating her thin face. Again she was a vision,
a mad vision, surrounded as usual by her black and white greyhounds and a host of charming
and utterly useless ornaments. But curiously enough she did not look unnatural. The fantastic
garb really suited her. She was so different from other women that ordinary clothes were
impossible for her.” – Catherine Barjansky
