The Songs of Bilitis
George Barbier, a superstar of the Art Deco illustration world, brings a touch of classical myth to life in this 1922 piece for 'Les Chansons de Bilitis.' The central figure sports a fabulous head of hair that looks remarkably like a cluster of ripe purple grapes as she strums a stylized lyre that seems to have eyes of its own. She's perched on a cliff edge dressed in sheer fabric and dramatic black trousers dotted with gold, a fashion statement that perfectly blends ancient mythology with 1920s glamour. Barbier was part of a group called the 'Knights of the Bracelet,' known for their dandyish style and exquisite illustrations.
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