The end of World War I and the dawn of the 1920s ushered in an era of women’s liberation that forever changed the course of history. Women first began to enter the spheres of commerce, fashion and entertainment, freeing themselves from the confines of traditional submissive roles in all facets of society. This optimism was felt especially in Paris, and all branches of the arts reflected this new-found enthusiasm.

It was within this context that the great Parisian artist, Jean-Gabriel Domergue, would redefine feminine beauty. First known for his impeccable landscapes, the artist would become inspired by the changes he witnessed that led him to conceive “la belle Parisienne”, the carefree and confident woman imbued with elongated swan-like features and an air of unbridled longing, that would typify Domergue’s oeuvre for the remainder of his career.

Domergue presents his “la belle Parisienne” swathed in brilliantly bold yellow in this portrait entitled Femme à la Robe Jaune (Lady in a Yellow Dress). Her chic ensemble, with its form-fit and plunging neckline, entices the viewer and underlines her striking gaze and relaxed posture – the image of a truly independent woman ready to conquer the world.

His never-before-seen take on beautiful women prompted the artist to later state that he was “the creator of the pin-up.”

Such exquisite portraits made Domergue one of the most influential and respected artists of his day. His eye for feminine elegance transcended the art world, and his expertise was sought in the world of fashion, utilizing his artistic gifts in designing dresses, hats and other accessories for famed fashion houses including Henry Marque and Paul Poiret. His wide-ranging talent attracted the elite of high society, as he fulfilled commissions for famed actresses, dancers and models of the day, including Nadine Lhopitalier, the then-future Baroness de Rothschild.

The art world had tremendous respect for Domergue. He served as the curator for the Jacquemart-André Museum in Paris where he organized pivotal exhibitions focusing on legendary artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Toulouse-Lautrec, van Gogh, Seurat and many more. He also spearheaded major Parisian gala events that drew hundreds of high-society guests, including the 1922 Bal du Grand Prix.

For all of his far-reaching contributions, in 1950, Domergue was elected to the Académie des Beaux-Arts. The award has been accompanied by the presentation of a sword since the time of Napoléon, and it was this very sword that was given to the artist to commemorate the occasion. This highest of honors was made even more special since his wife Odette, a renowned sculptor, designed this sword herself.

Learn more about Domergue and his works

About M.S. Rau Antiques:
M.S. Rau Antiques has spent over 100 years earning the trust of discerning collectors worldwide. Located in the heart of New Orleans’ historic French Quarter, our peerless showroom houses one of the world’s most extensive and stunning collections of museum-quality fine art by artists such as  Claude Monet and William Bouguereau, 18th- and 19th-century antiques, and breathtaking jewelry, including rare colored diamonds.