Thursday 15 January 2009

Young Marie and her Beau?


Over at Theme Thursday, todays challenge was 'Couples'.

I have developed a liking for all things outrageously tragic and French as my blogging friend Margaret is obsessed with Marie Antoinette! This image reminded me instantly of Marie Anionette as it depicts all the outrageous fashion of the time, the powdered wigs, huge skirts and of course the painted on beauty spot! (A 'must have' fashion item at the time). The collarless dress jacket and breeches with the fancy waistcoat worn by the boy shows that during the early to mid 1800's, the clothes worn by middle and upperclass children older than toddlers (especially by girls) continued to be uncomfortable-looking miniature copies of the clothes worn by adults, with the exception that girls wore back-fastening bodices and petticoats rather than open-fronted robes. Towards the end of the 1780's, there was a change to styles that were more practical for children's play — long trousers for boys, and loose ankle-length skirts for girls. I bet they were delighted! I printed the photo onto glossy paper and then edged it on 3 sides with black glitter card, finishing off with a glossy black and silver flourish that I think came from a Christmas card! The sliver and black embossed backing paper was edged in black sequins and a pearl heart attached at the bottom. I finished the piece with a crystal 'shoe' buckle similar to the boy's shoe and threaded some black lace through to mirror the downright extravagance of the period! (And also to make something that the recipient could hang it up with!!! )

16 comments:

K said...

beautiful!

Stempelfrosch said...

Brilliant work! Love it very much !
LG Anke

Femmy said...

beautiful!!!

MARGARET FIELD said...

I WOULD KILL FOR THIS.
You know i have the ammunition ROFLOL, PMSL, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

Beauuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuutiful

Faye said...

Truly elegant, Viv. I love that darling couple. And that gorgeous lace.

Char said...

Fabulous piece. Love the black&white.

indybev said...

This has to be enlarged to be truly appreciated! It's just beautiful. Applause.

Buffy said...

beautiful. Love the colors.

Claudette said...

awesome the mounting you did for your couple

Sandy said...

OMG this is absolutely awesome.
Fantastic design. Love them.

Flippinpest said...

This is amazing Viv.A fantastically exectuted (scuse pun) piece

For the life of me said...

this is gorgeous viv xxxx

Sherry said...

It's lovely Viv - very glitzy and the buckle at the top really finishes it off a treat.

Hermine said...

Beautiful.

Anne said...

This is brilliant Viv, exquisite work

Jan said...

Saw this on your Flickr site - very elegant - love the use of the black lace