Art Farts: The Getty-Maxwell Barr’s Recreation of a Garment from Manet’s Jeanne
One day, early on this semester, one of my instructors, Eddie Bledsoe, introduced the class to his dear friend Maxwell Barr. Maxwell Barr is an artist and instructor specializing in couture construction, fashion and costume history, graphic design, and a bevy of other amazing things. The reason why Maxwell was at LACC that day was because he’d been working very closely with one of our extremely talented staff members, Christopher Brown to recreate a print from a garment worn in a Manet painting. Once the print was finished, Christopher used our sublimation printer and giant iron press to transfer the print to fabric. Finally, the panels of fabric were given to Maxwell, who constructed the garment . Through a series of talks at The Getty called, “Artist at Work: Fashion and Impressionism,” Maxwell takes the audience through his process, while also educating on 19th century fashion and costume by having a live model get dressed in classic wear on stage.
The day that Maxwell came in, Eddie asked if some of us wanted to assist him and we were more than happy to help out. “Help” didn’t extend past cutting and ironing panels. But it was super exciting to be a part of something so epic.
I was finally able to attend one of Maxwell’s talks and I took some notes and pic. Wanna hear it? Here it go!
Underclothes
19th century wore drawers (think bloomers) which were split in the center to make using the restroom slightly easier. An undershirt would typically be worn tucked into their drawers.
Corsets
Corsets of this time used straight boning, sat low on the hip and often didn’t have any straps, allowing the arms full range of motion.
Day Wear
Women would get fully dressed with an underskirt and over gown as part of their day wear, this often was something that they wore around the house.
Sportswear
Women would wear what was considered ‘sportswear’ for activities requiring movement…tennis, ice skating, swimming, you name it.
The Main Event
This is the dress that Maxwell recreated from the Jeanne painting. It’s UH-MAY-ZING!
James Tissot
Tissot was another famous artist of the time. He, like other artists, would keep a wardrobe of garments for their models to wear. If you study Tissot’s art you can see him use certain dresses in multiple pieces.
Dinner Toillets/Ball Wear
Women wore similar garments to dinner and balls. White stockings and shoes were reserved for women of the highest stature.
It’s too late to catch this particular talk. But please support the 360 series from The Getty that includes talks, performances, film, food, and so much more.
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