Florence Dombey in Captain Cuttle’s Parlour (1888). William Egley (English, 1826-1916). Oil on canvas. V&A.
This scene is taken from Charles Dickens’ novel Dombey and Son. It depicts the teenage heroine Florence in refuge from her cruel father. The costume is meant reflect the fashion of 1848, the date of the novel’s publication. “Florence, being busy with her needle in the little parlour, was more calm and tranquil than she had been on the day preceding.”
Model painting wearing dress by Arnold Scaasi, 1959. Photograph appeared in Mennen Baby Oil ad.
In the early 1950s, Scaasi’s designs began appearing in a variety of print ads. At one shoot, he met Robert Denning, who suggested he reverse his last name (Isaacs) to give himself an Italian flair. Under his new name he achieved the December 1955 cover of Vogue, which led to his starting a ready-to-wear line the following year. He won the prestigious Coty Fashion Critics Award in 1958.
View of the Plaster Cast Collection at Charlottenborg Palace (1830). Christen Købke (Danish, 1810-1848). Oil on canvas. Hirschsprung Collection (Denmark).
The scientific foundations of the collection were laid down in the 18th century by the founding father of archaeology and art history, Johan Joachim Winckelmann (1717-67). He detested the Baroque art of his own era, which is nowhere to be found here for that very reason; and instead he favoured art from Antiquity, which dominates the collection.
Lady singing and an accompanist at a grand piano. Gazette du Bon Ton, May 1913. Original pochoir by Pierre Brissaud (1885-1964). The finest fashion illustrators of the day portrayed the latest fashions by prominent French designers.
Quatre a Sept, ou Une Heure de Musique (Quarter to Seven, or An Hour of Music). Robe de réception de Chéruit (Dress for Reception designed by Chéruit).