Thursday, March 10, 2011

Outdoor Scenes in Paintings of the 1800's

Garden of Poppies
by Edmund B. Leighton, English, 1852-1922

An Apple for the Boatman
Edmund B. Leighton

Boreas
by William John Waterhouse
1849-1917,  English

Playing with the Kitten
by Ernest Walbourne, English, 1872-1927


Love at First Sight by Marcus Stone
English, 1840-1921

be sure to click on the pictures for more detailed views!


Lilacs, by Edmund Blair Leighton


Compare the visual effect of the garments above, to the description by an image consultant, of the woeful American styles:

I tell you, women everywhere in India at all economic levels wear sarees.  The societal effect is lovely to behold.  Sadly, most young people want to imitate American youth in tattered jeans and T-shirts.  Having been exposed to honestly impoverished men preserving their dignity by wearing collared shirts and women in sarees, I am even more incensed by our ugly American way of wearing pretentious poverty chic.*


*Judith Rasband, Conselle Image Consutant


7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the latest posts. The clothing of days past is an inspiration. I have started sewing simple items for my wardrobe and some comments you made in the past were on my mind. I never thought about the fabrics used in manufactured clothing until you pointed out the way woven fabric drapes compared to knits. Now I notice how much better the woven fabrics look on people. You also recommended that beginning sewers look for patterns with fewer (5 or so) pieces. I have been doing that and it is great advice. I have found patterns for nightgowns, dresses, skirts and even jackets that consist of few pieces and it has enabled me to sew quite items that cost a lot and are hard to find in stores.

There is a commercial running now for some $10 knit dresses sold by a trendy store. They look shapeless, cheap and immodest. For the same $10, I can buy fabric to make my own flattering dress that looks classy, elegant and will last for years. Once you start sewing, it is hard not to notice the shoddy workmanship in so many store-bought clothes. They appear to be made to throw away after a few wearings.

Anonymous said...

Years ago you made me aware that although I thought I was dressing feminine i still had some things that would suggest boyishness. Also how we stand...such as do we stand with our hands in our pockets as men do etc. Now I look at all fabrics I buy or styles to see if it hints at boyishness. Little touches that say a lot. It has helped me tremendously. All the beautiful posts you and your daughter have posted on your own sewing are very inspirational too! I also want to thank you for all the sites you have given us to view other women's blogs. I have gathered so many recipes or home redo ideas. I have redone things I already had or learned how to use them differently. No money even invested yet so many new things for our home! Also ideas for gifts using things I already had. I look quickly at a blog or two going down the roll of them every couple of days. It makes me smile to think there are other women out there who love their families and their rolls as women and keepers of their homes. Sarah

Ginger said...

I love your art and dressing posts. Recently, I've been working on some designing projects. Patterns never work for me, because I am shaped more like an inverted triangle than an hour glass. Also I am very small and short but not the size of a child if you know what I mean. Because I love the fashions painted by William Waterhouse, I'm working on getting that look just right albeit a little shorter. After a couple near hits, I think I've got it.

I never would have gotten into dress design much less wearing dresses 24/7 without your thought provoking articles. Thank you for your courage to minister to women that have been taught differently. I had never considered that wearing pants might not be modest. Now I could never go back to jeans for the world.

I'm trying to sew a bit every day. I love making gifts and lovely yet practical things to wear.

Lydia said...

I added you to the blogroll so that others can see the story.

I always enjoy these stories of days gone by, especially when people were admired for their sweetness and innocent joy.

Far Above Rubies said...

I love pictures of the past. It's an inspiration.

I pray you are well.

Jasmine

The Lady of the House said...

Lovely! Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures.

Jill Farris said...

I am inspired by the peacefulness of the pictures. Of course, ladies in days past had times of rushing and hurrying (I remember Almonzo Wilder's mother being described as always rushing and busy with her work) but the paintings are a reminder to slow down, get outside more(!) and cultivate that peaceful sweetness which is very feminine.

Jill F.