Calash c. 1936

Edna Rex’s watercolor titled "Calash" presents a striking image of a woman's bonnet, dominated by a lush, consistent green hue. The eye is immediately drawn to the bonnet’s ribbed structure, its parallel lines creating a sense of depth and texture. The formal composition is cleverly simple, highlighting the calash against a neutral background. This emphasizes the bonnet’s shape and its intricate folds and curves. Rex uses light and shadow to give volume to the folds of the fabric, rendering it almost sculptural. Semiotically, the bonnet acts as a signifier of femininity, domesticity, and perhaps even constraint. By isolating this object, Rex invites us to consider the historical and cultural context of such garments. The bonnet becomes more than just a piece of clothing; it serves as a cultural artifact loaded with meaning. This close examination reflects a broader artistic interest in elevating the mundane to a subject worthy of contemplation. The monochromatic palette further focuses our attention on form and structure.