Evening dress 1898

Editor: We're looking at an Evening Dress from 1898 by the House of Worth, currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s made of textile, and something about the pale color palette and the delicate cherry designs gives it such an innocent, romantic quality. What details stand out to you from a visual perspective? Curator: The very construction itself speaks volumes. Consider the silhouette. The wasp waist, achieved through corsetry, immediately establishes a specific form. Note how the fabric drapes and falls, the way the weight is distributed across the structure of the gown. The application of the cherry motif; the way each is distinct, yet consistent. How would you interpret the designer's decision to use such a specific emblem? Editor: Perhaps to evoke the sweetness of youth, and a sense of naivete. Are there any aspects of its construction or materials that deviate from other garments made during the same period? Curator: The puffed sleeves, while characteristic of the era, seem almost exaggerated here, creating a dramatic contrast with the streamlined skirt. The textile itself appears to possess a particular sheen, suggesting a specific weave and finish. These subtle deviations can point us to understand the purpose and artistry behind the design. Does it strike you as inherently unified in composition or intentionally contrasting? Editor: I see what you mean about the contrast. I was so drawn in by the color palette and details like the cherries, that I overlooked the more subtle contrasts in form! This attention to the overall structure gives me a much deeper appreciation for this artwork. Curator: Indeed. By closely analyzing the intrinsic formal properties of the dress we can learn the intent of the designer through careful and methodical assessment, independent of outside influences.