Infant's Cape c. 1938

Florence Earl made this drawing of an infant's cape, and what strikes me is how she lets us in on her process. The soft watercolour wash gives the effect of diffused light, while the pencil lines add definition to the forms. You can almost feel the texture of the fabric through her meticulous attention to detail. The delicate floral embroidery, rendered with such care, speaks to the labour and love poured into creating this garment. I keep coming back to the tassels hanging from the side – each strand meticulously rendered, catching the light just so. There's a sense of movement, as though the cape is caught in a gentle breeze. It reminds me a little of Agnes Martin’s subtle lines and muted colors, both artists finding beauty in the quiet and unassuming. This isn't just a drawing of a cape; it's a meditation on time, care, and the beauty of the handmade.