Bridal White 

Tom Lovell created "Bridal White" using oil on canvas, a classic choice for depicting such a formal, idealized scene. The way Lovell handles the paint is key to understanding the work. Notice the smooth, almost porcelain-like finish he gives to the bride's dress. The material looks heavy, like satin, with a flowing silhouette that suggests both luxury and restraint. Consider, too, the labor involved in creating such a garment, the skilled work of seamstresses who translated the raw material into a status symbol. The context of the painting is equally important. It speaks to the broader social phenomenon of weddings as displays of wealth and aspiration. By focusing on the materiality of the dress, Lovell highlights the economic dimensions of this ritual, the cultural emphasis on perfect appearance and the performance of social roles. Thinking about materials, making, and context allows us to unpack the layered meanings embedded within this image, moving beyond the surface to see the complex social dynamics at play.