Dress c. 1936

Jessie M. Benge made this drawing of a dress, we don't know exactly when or with what, but that doesn't stop us from musing! Look at how the pencil lines almost dance across the paper, creating a delicate rhythm. You can sense her process: a back-and-forth between observation and imagination. I'm struck by the materiality here, or the suggestion of it. The paper has aged to become this warm, tactile surface, and the pencil work creates a sense of fabric and ornamentation. It is almost like a ghost, you know? See how the lines are both precise and tentative, suggesting the weight of a gown, but with a light, airy touch. In the middle, the dark embroidered detail is very eye catching. It reminds me of Agnes Martin's grids. They both explore repetition and subtle variations. I like how this piece invites us to contemplate the intersection of fashion, design, and art. It embraces ambiguity, allowing multiple interpretations.