Paintings of Dresses and Fabrics

Several weeks ago I came across a post on Instagram about Viktor Schramm's paintings of fabric. About this same time, I was watching the second season of "Victoria" (with Jenna Coleman), and I by looking at those costumes (see HERE, HERE, and HERE) I was struck with how well Schramm was able to capture the shimmery and even iridescent quality of the fabrics from the late 19th and early 20th century.

Viktor Schramm,  Bei der Anprobe (The Fitting), 1900

Viktor Schramm, "Preparing for the Ball," c. 1900

Here are some other paintings of fabulous fabrics. The fluidity of the brushstrokes really emphasize how the fabric is silky smooth:

Edmund Hodgson Smart, "Dawn," 1907

Sir John Lavery, "The Green Couch," c. 1903

I adore how the brushstrokes reveal the multiple colors that comprise the dress, so you can see the painting process but also get the suggestion that there are many layers of fabric. I also love how the black sleeves are clearly sheer. More information on this painting from Sotheby's