Wedding Under Bodice 1935 - 1942

Edna Rex made this sweet watercolor and graphite painting of a "Wedding Under Bodice" sometime in her long life. Imagine Rex gently layering watery shades of ecru, cream, and beige, like a blush on paper. You can see the tentative sketch of a bodice shape hovering in the lower left corner, a ghost image of Rex’s process as she tries to capture the essence of this intimate garment. I wonder what Rex was thinking as she painted? Was it a labor of love? Or a commission, maybe? I'm drawn to the understated elegance and almost scientific quality of her depiction. The soft lines, the subtle shading, and the delicate lace trim invite you to contemplate the hidden world of women’s clothing in the past. I bet Rex would be pleased to know her artwork continues to spark our curiosity, reminding us that even the most ordinary objects can be imbued with beauty and meaning.