Dress: 1920 1921

Editor: Here we have Eric Gill's wood engraving, "Dress: 1920." The sharp contrast creates a bold image. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: Gill created this during a time when the "New Woman" archetype was emerging, challenging traditional gender roles. How do you think this image participates in that socio-political moment? Editor: I see her elaborate hat and dress as a symbol of newfound freedom, perhaps? Curator: Precisely. Consider also the role of fashion illustration during this period, and how printed images like this shaped public perception of women and modernity. Editor: That’s a side of art I hadn’t considered before. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It's important to remember art doesn't exist in a vacuum.