Dolly Varden 1843

William Powell Frith gave us "Dolly Varden" in oil paint, a popular choice during the Victorian era. Frith's skill is evident in the details he captures, especially in the folds of Dolly's red cloak and the texture of her dress. You can almost feel the weight of the fabric and imagine the rustling sound it would make as she moves. The way Frith layers the paint creates depth and brings Dolly to life. The brushstrokes blend seamlessly to create soft shadows and highlights. The making of this painting reflects the labor and skill of the artist. However, the making of the actual garments that Dolly is wearing is not that of the artist, but of countless tailors and dressmakers whose social status did not allow them to be immortalized in paintings like this. Frith's "Dolly Varden" is a reminder to consider the broader context of art. It’s not just about what we see on the surface, but also about the materials, the making, and the social forces that shape artistic production.