Bernard Boutet de Monvel — the French painter & fashion illustrator, the book, and his artworks

Dear readers, following my last blog post about a menswear artist, I’d like to continue this topic by introducing another remarkable artist I’ve been meaning to write about for a long time. A few years ago, I stopped by one of my favorite bookstores in Paris, Librairie Galignani on Rue de Rivoli, to browse their selection of books, many of which are unavailable in my hometown. This bookstore always has a special place in my heart, because every time I visit, there’s always a book that captivates me. Among the displayed titles on French historic monuments and interior design, there was one book that stood out for its handsome cover featuring a portrait of an elegantly dressed gentleman in a neat black suit and white shirt, sitting with impeccable posture, gazing toward the viewer while holding a classic walking stick and a bowler hat. The backdrop was Place Vendôme, home to renowned luxury French jewelers and the legendary Hôtel Ritz Paris. This gentleman’s serious, elusive expression, combined with his flawless grooming and hairstyle, made him appear almost too perfect to be real — a figure of unapproachable sophistication, which was my first encounter with the late legendary French artist, Mr. Bernard Boutet de Monvel.

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Though I didn’t purchase the book that day (given the number of souvenirs I’d picked up during that trip), the artist and his life lingered in my mind for years. Even after returning home, I often found myself looking up information about him and his artworks online, likely charmed by his effortless masculine elegance. Just a few weeks ago, I finally obtained a copy of the book I had long desired, which I’m excited to share with you today. But just before diving in, you might wonder: “What makes this late French painter so fascinating? And how does he connect to refined menswear and an elegant lifestyle?” By the end of this blog, you’ll have my answers.

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Photo source: Pinterest

If you’re interested in historic French art and fashion illustration, you’ve likely heard of Bernard’s name. Born in Paris in 1881, the son of a French painter and children’s illustrator, Bernard began nurturing his artistic pursuits as a young boy. After studying with a renowned French academic painter and sculptor, he was introduced to etching by the late American artist, Mr. Louis McClellan Potter. He quickly mastered this technique, which employed the laborious "au repérage" method, requiring a separate plate for each color. His early works depicted countryside landscapes and everyday life, later evolving to focus on well-dressed dandies; at the same time, he worked on oil paintings, particularly portraits, and exhibited in France and the United States in the early 1900s. In 1909, Bernard exhibited Esquisse (Sketch), a portrait created using only a ruler and compass. This geometric depiction of an elegant dandy laid the foundation for his signature style and contributed to the development of Art Deco. His paintings, characterized by refined geometric linearity and a monochromatic palette of black, grays, and earth tones applied as flat tints, paved the way for his artwork in fashion illustration.

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Photo source: Pinterest

With his discerning taste and sensitivity to fashion and style, he contributed illustrations to notable lifestyle and fashion magazines such as Fémina, Jardin des Modes Nouvelles, and La Gazette du Bon Ton. He also collaborated closely with the late French fashion designer, Mr. Paul Poiret, an admirer of his talent, and the late illustrator, Mr. Georges Barbier; together, they co-founded the Journal des Dames et des Modes, a publication dedicated to promoting elegant fashion and luxury lifestyles of that era.

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Photo source: Pinterest

When World War I broke out in 1914, Bernard was called to military service, forcing him to pause his artistic pursuits until the war’s end. After returning to Paris during the interwar years, he resumed his career as an artist, focusing on portraits of sportsmen and dandies. He also rekindled his collaboration with La Gazette du Bon Ton and contributed to prestigious magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar— the latter lasting until 1933. Beyond painting and fashion illustration, Bernard was also gifted in interior design. At the request of the late French painter, architect, and decorator, Mr. Louis Süe, he joined the design firm La Compagnie des Arts Français in 1919. There, he participated in several notable projects, including Jean Patou’s Parisian townhouse (1923) (side note: Süe also designed perfume bottles for Patou, a topic which I’ve covered in one of my previous blog), the villa of French actress Jane Renouardt in Saint-Cloud (1924–1925), and the Biarritz dining room of Mrs. Edeline Jacques (1925). At this point, you might ask: “What makes his art so special? And how does it connect to refined menswear and an elegant gentleman’s lifestyle?” To answer this, one must examine his fashion illustrations closely.

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Photo source: Pinterest

In Bernard’s artwork, every character is undeniably stylish, especially the men. A classic tailored suit is essential, always paired with elegant accessories like hats, walking sticks, and sleek leather shoes. Beyond attire, Bernard excelled at creating stylish narratives for each illustration, depicting what the characters were doing, how they did it, and with whom. Whether it was a luxurious scene of a gentleman enjoying cocktails with peers in a luxury bar, or a daytime stroll in a French garden mingling with elegantly dressed women in their haute couture by esteemed fashion designers of that time, his attention to detail and keen observation of the era’s elegant lifestyle are evident. More importantly, his passion for stylish individuals — particularly men — and his ability to capture their essence immortalized the glamour of the interwar period. His artwork transcends mere fashion, offering a glimpse into the literature and civilization of stylish high society. Though this world may no longer exist, his art preserves its sophistication and intangible value: the art of living at its finest.

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Photo source: Pinterest

Bernard was not only artistically talented but also a stylish Frenchman himself. Vintage portraits reveal his impeccable presentation — tailored suits in classic and luxurious fabrics, his polished grooming, and his refined demeanor. As someone who mingled with high society and café society circles, he surrounded himself with elegance and lived as a bon vivant. His disciplined approach to style, possibly influenced by his military service, extended to his artwork, where structured lines and sleek precision became his trademarks. Today, his fashion plates serve as valuable artifacts for those interested in studying classic menswear and luxury lifestyles, and I was fortunate to own two fashion plates featuring his illustration from La Gazette du Bon Ton. While collecting his works now requires much effort, time, resources, and luck, there is a more accessible way to explore his legacy: the stunning coffee table book titled “Bernard Boutet de Monvel: At the Origins of Art Deco.”

Published by Flammarion in 2016 and written by French art historian, Mr. Stéphane-Jacques Addade, this monograph offers a comprehensive look at Bernard’s life and work. It features portraits painted by the artist of prominent figures from his time, rare photographs of Bernard, and insights into his dandy lifestyle and passion for classic menswear. The book also captures the glamour of the Art Deco era and café society, serving as a timeless reference for the art of living. Though these cultural circles have vanished, Bernard’s steadfast commitment to style and elegance amidst social upheaval remains inspiring.

In my fantasy, it would be a thrill to meet Bernard in person, as I would like to hear him talk about his life as an artist and a stylish man in his own words: how he maintained such grace and sophisticated masculinity. Did he ever feel lonely in his relentless pursuit of perfection, not just in style, but in his very way of being and living? And how did he remain so steadfast in upholding his standards? If he is still alive today, how would he view the modern men’s style? How might his art evolve within our current culture? Through his drawings and this book, I hope to uncover these answers and perhaps weave some of his timeless elegance into my own life.

Despite the tragic end of his life, Bernard Boutet de Monvel remains one of history’s most fascinating men. Not only does he possess extraordinary artistic talent and the discipline to execute it flawlessly, but he also has a natural charm, refined taste, and a lifelong dedication to cultivating his distinctive style; undoubtedly, he was one of those rare kinds of people in the real world. From an artistic standpoint, his legacy left an indelible mark on the glamorous Art Deco movement, influencing everything from art and architecture to lifestyle and fashion. Though he may not be widely discussed today, within the tight-knit cultural circles of high society and the elite, Bernard and his work remain immortal. He is cherished not just by art enthusiasts, but by those who appreciate refined menswear, the gentleman’s lifestyle, and the elegant art of living during the Art Deco era. His life and existence were, in themselves, have become a priceless work of art.