Evocative Objects

I spent the afternoon at the RISD library recently, doing a little bit of research on French 18th century jewelry. It was a wonderful way to spend a rainy day: piles of books and a scanner. I was rewarded when I came across this image from the Victoria and Albert Museum, it shows a fashion plate of hair styles from a Parish shop in 1776. I really like how the hair transforms into an ornate system of adornment. Braids become strands of pearls speckled with gems and bows stacked precariously upon their head like a crown. Stunningly precarious.