Sito and Sarita by Cecilia Beaux at National Gallery of Art
So, all of us ladies have our go-to LBD. There’s power in a little black dress that always looks great–with nude slingbacks, leopard kitten heels or classic black pumps. During a trip to the National Gallery of Art this week, I was reminded of the art of the LWD. Little White Dress, just in case you were wondering.
First, I loved Sito and Sarita by Cecilia Beaux. From the fabric of the settee to the contented look on Sarita’s face to the gorgeous cat, Sito, on Sarita’s shoulder, this portrait is magnificent.
Girl in White by Vincent Van Gogh at National Gallery of Art
The National Gallery has several works from Vincent Van Gogh, and this was the first time I had seen Girl in White. Painted by Van Gogh during a prolific year, 1890, spent in Auvers-sur-Oise, France, the detail on the girl’s white dress is spectacular against the green meadow.
Mrs. Henry White by John Singer Sargent at National Gallery of Art
Finally, the most traditional of the works featuring a white dress is the portrait of Mrs. Henry White by John Singer Sargent. A striking beauty, “Daisy” was the happiest American in Europe according to novelist Henry James. Sargent painted aristocrats and socialites and began this portrait of Mrs. White in Paris in 1882. Her dress is a wonderful combination of satin, lace and tulle–the stuff that little white dress dreams are made of.
