Dress c. 1936

Lillian Causey's watercolor "Dress" features a gown reminiscent of the 18th century, its fabric adorned with floral and vine motifs. These symbols of growth and abundance stretch back to ancient civilizations. Consider the recurring appearance of floral patterns from antiquity to the Renaissance, where they often symbolized fertility and the cyclical nature of life. Here, in Causey's piece, the flowers and vines intertwine, echoing the continuous thread of history and fashion. This recalls Botticelli's "Primavera," where Flora scatters blossoms, a gesture of renewal and beauty. The chocker necklace, a band that constricts the neck, in the same way may simultaneously evoke sensuality and restraint, a tension between freedom and control. Ultimately, the gown is not merely a garment but a vessel carrying layers of cultural memory, resurfacing in new forms, and reminding us of the enduring power of symbols to connect us across time.