Ruffled Skirts
16”x40”
Typically, I name my paintings based on the symbolism of the plant or flower, but with this painting the name was based on the feeling it evoked in me. When I finished this succulent painting and stood back, it immediately reminded me of the layered and “ruffled skirts” women wore in the 1700’s and 1800’s. Women wore several layers of clothing which served a variety of purposes from hygiene to warmth to ornamentation. The number of petticoats, which were a slightly starched underskirt, depended on the style of dress; as many as eight would be worn underneath a dress to achieve the desired iconic bell shape. After reflecting on this painting and the similarity to the women’s ruffled dresses, I wonder if the dress fashion from the 1700 and 1800s were perhaps inspired by this or a similar plant.