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19th Century Paper Dolls

I leave you to hang out with these fine gents ~

7/20/2009

 
Picture
I did actually work on some original designs this weekend, but they are still in the pencil stage. I don't know why I get so perfectionist about this stuff. I am hoping, once I get back from San Diego (next Tuesday), I will find a way to streamline this process so that I will just move from design to drawing to painting without all of this fretting in between.

I half-considered just rendering the clothes in sepia since I know it would be so much easier. It's the whole color thing that's holding me back.

Color paralyzes me. I don't know why I don't just get rid of it and do monochromatic work instead. Then, if people want to color the clothes, they can do so themselves. I am trapped somewhere between going in this direction and fighting the good fight to not let the color thing beat me.

While I duke it out psychologically, do enjoy this fashion plate from Le Follet (1849). Men's clothes were certainly more interesting in the first part of the Victorian Era (I love the long vests and the fabulous trims). They got a lot more maudlin as the century wore on: mostly black and neutral colors. styles in America prior to the Civil War generally seemed a lot dandier. We wouldn't see a lot of color back in men's clothes until the 20th century, alas.

Likewise, enjoy this blog by Dorothy Jane Landgren Williams, which posts fashion-related items (including plates) from time to time. While the focus is mostly Regency-Era stuff, there's lots of other fun things to look at as well: Paraphernalia.

I will return next week (and once again, hopefully more often).

Linda link
7/22/2009 11:56:20 am

I'm enjoying your blog, and your original paper doll art, esp. Edwin Booth.

RLC link
7/22/2009 01:16:01 pm

I know they were in style, but I have a hard time taking mutton-chops seriously. On the other hand, the beautiful vest makes up for it. By the way, I finished Red Badge of Courage and you were right- it was a surprisingly good read.

boots link
7/28/2009 09:33:57 pm

hello Linda! and welcome! i follow your own blog and enjoy it thoroughly! so happy to have you visit!

RLC, i agree about the chops, though have seen a few portraits where men seem to wear them convincingly. i think a lot of men's hairstyles in this era are kind of strange to our eyes. it seems like after wigs gave way, men weren't quite sure what to do with their hair at all!

so glad you enjoyed The Red Badge of Courage! it says a lot for being such a small book.

: D


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