At 23:41 05/10/2006, you wrote:
I'm working on a replica of the headress worn by Princess Charlotte
in this Clouet painting (1522):
http://www.formfunction.org/temp/1522clouet-charlotte-de-fra.jpg
After much experimentation, I've come up with a pattern I'm
reasonably happy with, but I just cannot make up my mind on a few
points. If you'll look at this closeup:
http://www.formfunction.org/temp/1522clouet-charlotte-detail.jpg
you should be able to see each of them.
Issue 1: Those slashes
The closeup shows each slash with a sort of outline around it, as
though each slash were bound with strips of the same fabric the
hat's made of, sort of like a bound buttonhole. It seems to me
faintly unlikely that they'd go to this much trouble, and I
certainly don't want to, but that's the only way I can think of to
get that same exact look. The only other options that come to mind
are either a) just slash , and let it fray if it will--not too
terrible an option, since the luscious heavy silk sateen I have for
this is not at all prone to raveling drooldroolbragbrag--or, b) fold
back a teeny hem for each slash, and stitch them into place. Ideas?
Suggestions?
Issue 2: What should the back look like?
If you look at the bottom diagonal slash of the bag-like portion, on
the other side of the circumference seam it looks a bit like there's
a slash on the back that mirrors it. Does anyone else see it? I'm
thinking I may just mirror those diagonal slashes around the edge of
the back, and leave the center of the back plain, or perhaps
decorate the center with pearls. (Yes, I have a ton of glass pearls
for the project. This will be one heavy bit of headwear!) I'd love
any clever suggestions, though, as I haven't found any great
backview shots of this style of headress yet.
Issue 3: that blackish semi-circle at the nape of the neck
This looks almost like a painter's mistake, or as though the paint
has started to flake off to reveal a previous version, or some wierd
aborted restoration attempt, or I don't know what; whatever it is,
my instinct is that it's not really a part of the headwear. If it
were a part of the headwear, the only things I can think of would be
a) a poor rendering of the bag's interior, seen in shadow (but I
give Clouet way more credit than that!) or b) a netting of some
sort. Any ideas as to what on earth it could be? Anyone know more
about the history of this painting than I do (ie, more than nothing)?
If you don't know it, this site might help
http://www.culture.gouv.fr/documentation/joconde/fr/pres.htm
Click on the text by the right hand top picture "Parcours thematiques"
Then click on "Portraits dessines de 16th C." in the centre column
about half way down.
You will find hundreds, or so it seems drawings and paintings by the
Clouets. You might find something similar to give you more clues.
Suzi
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