Costume Design 1836 - 1837

This costume design was made by Pierre-Numa Bassaget, called Numa, in the 19th century. Executed in pen and brown ink, with gray wash over graphite, the drawing presents us with a study of a woman adorned in the fashion of the time. The composition is anchored by vertical and horizontal lines, establishing a structured space, yet is softened by the intricate detailing of the clothing and hats. Note how the artist contrasts the textures, from the smooth skin of the woman to the elaborate fabrics of her dress and the feathery adornments of the hats. This juxtaposition creates a visual dialogue between the figure and the constructed artifice of fashion. The drawing balances the realistic representation of form with the abstract potential of line and wash, reflecting a broader artistic interest in how visual media can both depict and destabilize fixed categories of representation.