(Above) Curiosity painted by Gerald Ter Borch, 1617
(Below) Young Women painted by Casper Netscher 1635-1684
(Below) Young Women painted by Casper Netscher 1635-1684
Fashion in the Baroque Era was complete with large pleads, lace,ruffles, and linen collars. For both men and women, waistlines continued to rise. Sleeves were very full and were sometimes slashed or paned to reveal the voluminous sleeves of the chamois or shirt that was underneath. Around 1615, the silhouette that was close to the body with tight sleeves and a low pointed waist, eventually softened and broadened.
In 1650-1700, the wide high waisted look transformed into to more of a vertical line with emphasis on the horizontal shoulder line. During the mid century, full sleeves ended closer to the elbow. Tight corsetes were becoming very popular with low broad necklines and drooped shoulders. In this portrait to the left, The viewer can see a visual representation of what a young girl would've worn. Her sleeves are ruffled and are voluminous. Her waist is tightly close to her body from her corset and bodice. You can tell this was painted closer to the mid century because her sleeves are scrunched closer to her elbow and are drooped loosely which gives her shoulders less of a horizontal broadness, but more of a small narrow frame. Netscher uses fluid strong brushstrokes to sow the silkiness and shiny texture of the material in her dress. By using chiaroscuro, the artists shows the highlights, shadow, and reflection on the girls cheeks in contrast to the dark shadow her curls bring. The viewer can tell her dress is pleaded by the way he highlights that dark contrast underneath. Also, one can have a strong understanding of where the light source is coming from in this portrait. |
(Left) Caspar Netscher (Right) Reuben
Women with a Mirror, 1640
Lady at the Window, 1666
Women with a Mirror, 1640
Lady at the Window, 1666