Afternoon dress 1883 - 1887

Editor: Here we have an afternoon dress, crafted between 1883 and 1887 by Augustine Martin & Company. The mixed media piece is primarily textile, and currently resides at The Met. I am immediately struck by the strong vertical emphasis created by the floral pattern. What stands out to you about this garment? Curator: Formally, the piece captivates with its contrasting textures and varying opacities of colour. The floral motif disrupts the smooth fabric and gives a multi-dimensional visual plane to the design. We should consider how the manipulation of light on the material influences its shape. What do you think about the colour? Editor: I find the choice of monochrome striking and bold; it speaks of subdued elegance, especially in tandem with the high neckline. It is almost entirely one shade of blue, however its composition lends depth and visual variety. Curator: Precisely. Observe how the lines create an impression of continuous motion. How the tailored design accentuates the curves of the mannequin to almost present human form, which might invoke a unique sense of emotion for a piece made entirely from textile. Notice how this effect of naturalness and sophistication speaks to more than just fashion. Editor: It is surprising how the choice of something as seemingly simple as colour is crucial to the entire viewing experience! I was more drawn to the surface than the foundational colour relationships and lines. Curator: It is indeed. Attending to details and formal qualities allows us to interpret the language within the work!