Fabric and Figures in Art

Fabric and the human figure is a common subject in art.

Usually fabric is not the focus or main part of the artwork but it is very important.

Fabric has many different properties. It can be light or heavy, shiny or dull, patterned or plain, colourful or muted, soft or scratchy. The list goes on.

*Can you think of some adjectives (words that describe) for the clothes you are wearing?

Below are three examples of fabric in artwork.

*For each artwork describe the fabrics. It will help if you imagine touching them.

Edgar Degas, Musicians in the Orchestra, 1872

Paul Delaroche, Execution of Lady Jane Grey (detail), 1833

Kevin Francis Gray, Face Off (detail), 2007, bronze sculpture

Realistic and Expressive Fabric in Art

Artists can work realistically or expressively (or both).

Realistic Fabric: An artist can draw, paint, print or sculpt fabric so that it looks exactly like it does in real life. This is said to be realistic.

Da Vinci, Study of Drapery

Expressive Fabric: An artist can draw, paint, print or sculpt fabric so their impression (feelings) of fabric is expressed. It will be less realistic (abstracted), sometimes you will not even recognise it as fabric. This is said to be expressive.

De Kooning, Woman 1, c1951