Godey's Lady's Book, Vol. 48, No. XVIII, April, 1854Various
General
Godey's Lady's Book, Vol. 48, No. XVIII, April, 1854
Various
Fashion -- 19th century -- Periodicals; United States -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Periodicals; Women's periodicals, American
Look at the artist, who toils day after day upon a painting which he has
copied from Nature; he endeavors to paint the flowers with accuracy, give
that exquisite emerald hue to the leaves of the trees, the same tints
to the horizon, and that gorgeous light to the sun. Why? He saw beauty
in Nature, and desired to imitate it. The sculptor works with all his
skill upon the bust of some celebrated person, all his power is employed;
he wishes to delineate every feature with accuracy, and determines, if
possible, to accomplish it. Soon he has the gratification of seeing the
soulless and once rugged block of marble transformed into an image of
symmetry and beauty.
Is there not great pleasure to be felt while beholding works of art? We
can but admire and love the fruits of genius. It is very true that there
are many who can look upon the works of art, still no effect will be
produced; yet a person of nice perception and correct taste could gaze for
hours upon them, and see each time something to admire. It is so in Nature
even. Many might walk forth on a lovely morning when Spring first smiles,
yet see no beauty whatever, but merely cast a careless eye upon all
around. One may see much to admire in the storm-cloud which rises darkly
o'er the sea, while streaks of lightning dive 'neath the briny waves,
and the peals of thunder rattle furiously; we may have feelings of awe,
yet, at the same time, see sublimity, and in our hearts we exclaim, "How
beautiful!"
Yes, beauty dwelleth everywhere; from the tiny flower which blooms, to
the stupendous heavens at night lighted with innumerable stars, being the
impress of the One who created all things.
DRESS--AS A FINE ART.
BY MRS. MERRIFIELD.
ORNAMENT--ECONOMY.
ORNAMENT, although not an integral part of dress, is so intimately
connected with it that we must devote a few words to the subject.
Under the general term of ornament, we shall include bows of ribbon,
artificial flowers, feathers, jewels, lace, fringes, and trimming of all
kinds. Some of these articles appear to be suited to one period of life,
some to another. Jewels, for instance, though suitable to middle age, seem
misplaced on youth, which should always be characterized by simplicity
of apparel; while flowers, which are so peculiarly adapted to youth,
are unbecoming to those advanced in years: in the latter case, there is
contrast without harmony--it is like uniting May with December.
The great principle to be observed with regard to ornament is that it
should be appropriate, and appear designed to answer some useful purpose.
A brooch, or a bow of ribbon, for instance, should fasten some part of the
dress; a gold chain should support a watch or an eye-glass. Trimmings are
useful to mark the borders or edges of the different parts of the dress,
and in this light they add to the variety, while by their repetition they
conduce to the regularity of the ornamentation.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account