Something From the Dutch Golden Age for This Round of Style Imitating Art

Hello and welcome to my first selection of Style Imitating Art for the year! roundup featuring all of you who submitted ideas for this round’s art inspiration.

Style Imitating Art?

Style Imitating Art, at the moment, is hosted by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey and me. A reminder that we are looking for a third co-host. The deadline to apply is quickly going to be upon us (January 21st). If you would like to be a part of our team, contact Salazar at 14shadesofgreyblog@gmail.com.

Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration image and we each post the image on our blogs. The following Monday we share our art-inspired outfits. The following Wednesday, the curator shares all of the submissions on her blog.

This Week’s Presenter

Again, that would be me!

This Week’s Inspirational Image

Last year, I opened with “A Girl With a Pearl Earring” by Vermeer. I liked that idea of going back to some classics for the New Year and picked Rembrandt’s painting of his wife: “Portrait of Saskia van Uylenburgh, painted during 1633-34.

Why did I pick this particular portrait? There is so much to unpack here! To start with, I feel this is essentially a fashion shot! Wealthy Dutch would want to show off their finery and essentially that “they made it” by wearing all their stuff in a painted portrait and this painting was probably like a salesman sample. Also, I think Rembrandt was never good with money and couldn’t afford to pay a model and he used himself and his wife as subjects. Unfortunately, Sakia passed away a 29 so we only have younger paintings of her.

The textures and deep colors in this painting are extraordinary. First, we have the deep red/burgundy velvet that is contrasting against the gold silk of the sleeves. At least, it shines and drapes as fine silk does.

As far as jewelry, gold, and pearls abound.

Then there are the minor details such as the rich brocade on the hat, the brown velvet ribbon that is draped around the bodice with gold attachments (is this some type of necklace?), the small bits and bobs of lace, and finally, for good measure, fur and feathers are even thrown in. If you start to closely analyze this painting, it is a feast for the eyes.

Will You Join the Fun

Next Monday Salazar and I will publish our interpretations of this work.

I hope this art inspires you to create a look and that you will join us. Send me your picture of your SIA-inspired outfit along with a small blurb on how you were inspired to meadowtreestyle@gmail.com by Tuesday, 25th. I’ll share the submissions on my blog on Wednesday January 26th.

Anyone can participate and you certainly do not have to have a blog.

If you do share your inspirations on Instagram use the hashtag #StyleImitatingArt so we know you are there. You can also tag us in the images. Our Instagram names are @terrigardner_meadowtree and @14shadesofgrey.

Hope to see you at there!

That would be me.