Bonnet 1935 - 1942

This 'Bonnet' was made by Florence Earl, but when exactly? Well, the date is currently a mystery! What isn't a mystery is the material she used; watercolour. Isn't it incredible how Earl coaxes so much detail out of this medium? Look at how the pinks in the ribbons play with the darker lines of the fabric, creating almost an optical illusion. Then consider the way the different textures of the flowers are rendered - some soft, some sharply defined. I'm particularly drawn to the feather at the top right. The way it curls and fades into a pale blue is just magical. It's almost as if Earl is trying to capture a fleeting moment, the way light catches on a feather in the breeze. There's a softness here, a gentleness that reminds me of the work of Berthe Morisot. This piece feels like a quiet conversation between artists, a shared love for the delicate beauty of the world.