Dress c. 1940

Henry De Wolfe made this drawing of a dress, its date unknown, using watercolor and graphite on paper. At first glance, the eye is drawn to the vibrant red hue and the intricate lace detailing that trims the garment, creating a striking contrast against the soft background. The meticulous rendering of the fabric's folds and pleats suggests a deep engagement with form and texture. De Wolfe's choice to depict this dress prompts an exploration into its historical and cultural significance, prompting considerations about its function within the social milieu of its time. The very structure of the dress, from its cinched waist to the layered skirt, speaks to the codified gender norms of the late 19th century. The artist seems to be dissecting and presenting these social constructs through the formal qualities of the work. The dress, therefore, becomes a signifier, loaded with meanings about identity, status, and the performance of femininity. This allows us to examine the ways in which fashion itself operates as a semiotic system, communicating complex cultural narratives through its design and presentation.