Caps 1935 - 1942

This sheet of studies, simply titled ‘Caps,’ features three meticulously rendered bonnets in pencil and watercolor by an anonymous artist. It’s interesting to think about how we use drawing to work things out, to plan and prepare. Each bonnet is like a little world of texture, from the frills and lace to the bows that sit jauntily atop. The palette is so restrained, almost ghostly, yet it gives us so much information. Look closely at the bottom bonnet. Notice how the artist uses delicate, parallel lines to create the illusion of fabric and shadow. It’s not just about representation; it’s about the sheer pleasure of mark-making. This piece reminds me of the fashion sketches of Erte, who turned clothing into almost architectural forms, or maybe the botanical studies of someone like Maria Merian, who combined scientific observation with artistic flair. Here, though, we have no definitive answers, just the beauty of line and form. Isn't art wonderful?