It is all about the severed head...

I discovered last year that I wasn't really a true historical costumer.  When you keep trying to figure out a way to work fabric with bras all over it into your costuming wardrobe, you are pretty much not going to be adhering to strict costuming guidelines of a historical nature.

One thing I was inspired by was this picture:

The outfit is BEAUTIFUL.  The colors are gorg.  The beading is exquisite.  AND IT HAS A SEVERED HEAD.  How cool is that???

Then I was trying to find the right sleeves for my German Cranach gown, and I wound up using this picture:

Again with the severed head.

I decided to do a little research on Judith/Salome, and discovered something.  If I wanted to, I could have a wardrobe of Salome/Judith costumes, all from different countries, different time periods, etc. 

I found this one, which is also painted by an Italian, in 1596, but with a different flavor than the German inspired ones above:

Of course Cranch the Elder AND the Younger painted Judith/Salome numerous times, so I am not including all of the pictures here.  But I could have an outstandingly beautiful collection of German dresses if I did nothing but recreate their portraits.

How about this one:

Judith the Gypsy.

And this one:

1486.  Love the stitching on the gown.

And this one!

17th century.  That color is so beautiful.

1598 German/Flemish:

 

The brown outfit here is really lovely with the veil:

And some more Italian styles:

Venetian!

The bodice on this yellow one is really interesting:

The embroidery on this one from 1600 is amazing:

I think this is 1665, and it is a real stunner:

  

Another Italian:

A red number from 1515:

I am uncertain of what era this would represent, but it is from 1878:

The choices of fabric designs in this are beautiful:

Of course Judith/Salome as gypsy is well represented, and this is one of my favorites, from 1909:

  

I think I am going to skip the mostly naked era though:

And bringing us back to the beginning is the companion piece to the Solario portrait which first caught my eye:

I am really tempted to have an All Salome/Judith wardrobe.  Although I think more than one severed head is overkill...   

Check out Decollete for more info on Judith/Salome. 

Comments

[The Cheap Chick (aka the chick)]

So, okay. I really, REALLY like the Gyspy-style ones. Except I'd keep my boobies covered, as required by most Fests. (ladies in chainmail bras, take note!)

[Peggy]

I'm totally into the severed head! In fact, that's on my list of creepy things to build for Halloween.
As for he gowns, love the first Italian blue gown, so pretty