Two Women in Late 18th Century Dress n.d.

William Edward Frost created this pen and brown ink and watercolor artwork called 'Two Women in Late 18th Century Dress' which now resides at the Art Institute of Chicago. The painting is dominated by a monochromatic palette of blue-gray washes. This imbues the scene with a certain contemplative stillness. The composition features two women, their elegant attire rendered with quick, fluid strokes that emphasize form over detail. The woman on the left is seated, while the other stands, engaging in conversation, her posture suggesting a dynamic presence. Frost’s method of transparent watercolor washes allows light to penetrate and reflect off the paper. This creates an airy quality that softens the rigid formality often associated with portraiture of this era. In its understated and elegant way, the artwork is not just a depiction of period fashion but also an exploration into the artistic possibilities of line, form, and tonal variation. This is made possible by the chosen medium. This reflects an interest in the inherent qualities of his materials, typical of his time.