In this painting I have placed my main character in an assemblage of fine lace, bows, and embroidered fabrics typical of the 17th and 18th century. Textiles of this time shared in the lavishness experienced by the visual and written arts.
What follows is a poem written in 1755, so delightful.
Flowing loosely down her back
Draw with art the graceful sack
Ornament it well with gimping,
Flowers, furbelows, and crimping
Let of ruffles many a row
Guard her elbows white as snow;
Knots below and knots above,
Emblems of the ties of love
Let her hoop extending wide,
Show what petticoats should hide
Garters of the softest silk
Stockings whiter than the milk.
- London Magazine, July 1755"
