In Awe c. 1900

Edwin Austin Abbey created ‘In Awe’ using oil on canvas. This choice of materials, especially oil paint, traditionally elevates the work into the realm of ‘high art’ - but that doesn't mean we can't consider its connections to craft and design. Look closely at the intricate patterns and colors of the women's garments. The artist would have applied the paint to create the fabric's texture, weight, and drape. He also would have been influenced by textile production, weaving, dyeing, and embroidery, all skilled traditions with their own rich histories. The creation of such textiles involved a significant amount of labor. In painting these fabrics with such attention to detail, Abbey prompts us to consider the social and economic context of clothing, labor, and consumption. The amount of work that goes into these garments is a subtle commentary on the value we place on both the artistic process and the craft of clothing production.