The Jewelry
1923
Fernand Siméon brings Guy de Maupassant’s classic tale of vanity, 'The Necklace' (La Parure), to life with this striking 1923 illustration. A towering, elegant woman in a sweeping floral gown dominates the room, looking utterly bored despite the admiring glances of the tuxedo-clad men around her. The bold, graphic lines and flat planes of color feel very Art Deco, perfectly mirroring the story's themes of deceptive appearances and the heavy cost of keeping up with high society. Through the doorway, a glimpse of a Parisian column and a vintage car hints at the modern world waiting outside this bubble of fashion.