L'Arbre de Science by Georges Barbier (1914) – Classic Art Deco Print

This stunning print captures Georges Barbier’s brilliance in Art Deco illustration with "L'Arbre de Science" (The Tree of Knowledge), crafted back in 1914. The artwork features a classy wahine dressed in a swish evening gown by Dœuillet, one of Paris’s top fashion houses at the time. Barbier’s work alongside famous couturiers like Dœuillet perfectly highlights the close connection between high-end fashion and decorative art during the Belle Époque era. The piece showcases Barbier’s trademark style—a seamless mix of plant motifs, exotic birds, and feminine elegance set against a striking dark backdrop with pops of vibrant florals. His clever use of colour and intricate details draws on influences from Japanese art and the rising Art Deco movement. Barbier played a key role in shaping the look of luxury and sophistication in early 20th-century France, regularly contributing to leading magazines such as "Journal des Dames et des Modes" and "La Gazette du Bon Ton." This illustration stands as a prime example of decorative art at its peak before the war, when Paris was the undisputed hub of fashion and creative innovation.