Style Imitating Art with Ever Pretty: Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth by John Singer Sargent
About Style Imitating Art
Style Imitating Art is hosted by Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks, Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey, and Terri of MeadowTree Style. Style Imitating Art challenges us to draw style inspiration from pieces of art. Every other Monday, one of the hosts, acting as curator, selects an inspiration image that they will each post on their blogs. The following Monday, each host shares her art inspired outfit. Participants are invited to submit their art inspired outfits to the curator by 10:00 p.m. EST on the Tuesday following the hosts’ art inspired outfit posts. The following day, Wednesday, the curator will share all of the submissions on her blog.
You don’t have to be a blogger to join! You are invited to share your images on Instagram or other social media platforms! Just be sure to tag Salazar, Terri, and Daenel or use #TeamLOTSStyle and #StyleImitatingArt so the hosts know you have joined. Go have some fun in your closets and join the SIA challenge next week!
The Inspiration Artwork
The inspiration artwork was curated by Salazar of 14 Shades of Grey. You can read why she has chosen this specific piece as her inspiration artwork here.
Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth by John Singer Sargent (Oil on Canvas, 1889)
About the Artist: John Singer Sargent
John Singer Sargent (January 12, 1856 – April 14, 1925) was an American expatriate artist born to American parents in Florence, Italy. He is considered the leading portrait painter of his generation mostly for his depictions of Edwardian era luxury.
Sargent is a direct descendant of Epes Sargent, a colonial military leader and jurist from Gloucester, Massachusetts. John Singer Sargent was born to FitzWilliam Sargent, an eye surgeon who practiced in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, up until a few years before the birth of his son. John’s older sister died at the age of 2 which triggered a breakdown for his mother, Mary Newbold Singer. The family moved to Europe at that time so Mary could recover and they remained nomadic expatriates for the rest of their lives.
John was born in 1856 after the Sargents had settled abroad in Tuscany. His sister Mary was born a year later followed by the births of four more children but only two of them survived past childhood. The Sargents lived a quiet life on modest means and avoided society and other Americans except those who were immersed in the art world. After several failed attempts at formal schooling due to their itinerant lifestyle, John was mostly educated at home by his parents. His father was a patient teacher of the basics as well as a skilled medical illustrator and his mother was a competent amateur artist. His education mostly consisted of traveling throughout Europe and visiting museums and churches.
Sargent remained a bachelor for his entire life with an extensive network of friends in the art world. There has been scholarly speculation about the nature of his sexuality based on his early avoidance of painting male nudes which led to a deeper exploration of male nudes later in his career. How that leads to a conclusion of homosexuality is beyond me.
Although his education was sporadic, informal, and incomplete, John Singer Sargent grew into a highly literate cosmopolitan man accomplished in the areas of art, literature, and music. He was fluent in four languages and very well acquainted with the great art masters who preceded him.
During the peak of his career, the art world was predominantly focused on Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism while Sargent himself was practicing his own form of Realism. He has been the subject of large scale exhibitions in many major art museums throughout the world. His works were sometimes devalued due to his expatriate status which apparently made him “less American.” But his reputation has increased steadily since the 1950’s after a long period of critical disfavor.
In 1922, he co-founded Grand Central Art Galleries in New York City. He was an active participant in the gallery until his death in 1925. At the end of his life, he was traveling between New York City and Chelsea, England. On April 14, 1925, he died suddenly of heart disease in his Chelsea home. His body is interred in Brookwood Cemetery near Woking, Surrey.
About the Art: Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth by John Singer Sargent
This portrait of Ellen Terry features her dressed as Lady Macbeth for her famous performance in Shakespeare’s tragedy. Produced by Henry Irving who also portrayed Macbeth opposite of Terry, the play was performed at the Lyceum Theatre in London where Sargent attended opening night on December 29, 1888. He was immediately inspired to paint Terry’s portrait in her Lady Macbeth costume.
The dress worn by Ellen Terry was designed by Alice Comyns Carr. The dress is hand embroidered with gold and decorated with a thousand green jewel beetle iridescent wing cases. A Celtic design in red and white stones adorns the hems and a gold belt hangs loosely around her waist. The dress was designed with the intent of looking like soft chain armour while also giving the appearance of serpent scales.
The play was hugely successful and the dress was reused on many later tours of Macbeth. It had crossed the Atlantic Ocean to America and back at least twice. In 2009, restoration work began on the dress. After 1,300 hours of conservation work and £110,000, the dress was placed on display in Ellen Terry’s former home in Kent. This dress is recognized as “one of the most iconic and celebrated theatre costumes of the time.”
The painting is oil on canvas and measures 221.0 cm (87.0 in) high by 114.5 cm (45.1 in) wide in a heavy gold frame which depicts Celtic motifs. The painting illustrates Terry standing in an erect position holding King Duncan’s crown above her head. Long plaits of red hair bound in gold ribbon drape down her figure to her knees over an embroidered velvet cloak. The painting was first exhibited at the New Gallery in London in 1889 and then made its way to galleries around the world. After its final exhibition in Liverpool in 1896, Henry Irving purchased the painting from Sargent for display in the Beefsteak Room at the Lyceum Theatre. Upon Irving’s death in 1905, the painting was sold at Christie’s to an agent for Sir Joseph Joel Duveen who donated it to the Tate Gallery in London the following year where it currently resides.
References/Resources:
About My Outfit Inspired by Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth
First of all, I have to say that this might be my favorite inspiration piece in this series so far. I love the rich shades of greens and teals. All the dark peacock hues create my favorite color palette ever. I have a peacock cape that I was planning to style for this prompt but then we had to go out of town unexpectedly last weekend for a family health emergency (which has been mostly resolved) and I just didn’t get the chance to put something together and photograph.
Fortunately, I had already photographed this green sequined evening gown from the Ever Pretty plus size selection of dresses and it seemed like another serendipitous styling that would work just perfectly for this SIA prompt. I was planning to use these photos next Tuesday for my #SpreadTheKindness post because I wanted to highlight my brand new handmade necklace from my dear friend Michelle of My Bijou Life. It’s a skeleton fairy! And I literally squealed out loud when I opened the package! The colors are so beautiful and the design is so bold and unique. Just my style! I do love when my friends know me that well.
If you love my cool new necklace as much as I do, definitely check out Michelle’s Etsy store. Her products are currently unavailable as she is in the process of moving from Las Vegas to North Carolina, but you can visit her shop and click on the option to receive an email once she is back up and running. She has lots of really fun handmade jewelry pieces.
As soon as I slid the necklace out of the package, I knew immediately that I was going to pair it with this green sequined dress and head out to the woods for a fairy inspired photoshoot. I didn’t add too many extra elements to this outfit because the dress itself makes a pretty powerful statement, the kimono adds a bit of extra drama, and my gold peep toe heels keep the rich glittery vibe going from head to toe. While I don’t have much teal in this outfit, I thought all the shades of green were the perfect representation of the colors in the art piece.
When I was deciding on which dresses to choose from Ever Pretty, I was torn between this one and a burgundy bridesmaid dress but after taking votes from some friends and family members, nearly everyone agreed that the green was better. I love the high side slit and the little cascading waterfall ruffle on the side. I am not a huge fan of halter style dresses on me but I quite like this dress regardless. Once again, it is probably a size too big. My measurements fall in between a size 14 and 16. I am always fearful that the bust will be too small so I ordered the 16. And then I had to tie the neck strap behind my neck because it ended up being too big at the top. But the rest seems to fit just right. So I will make the permanent alterations which merely require a shortening of the neck straps to pull the top a little higher for appropriate boob coverage. I have a wedding to attend next summer and I am definitely keeping this dress as an option for that event (depending on the dress code).
Ever Pretty is offering my readers 25% off all orders over $50 so now is the perfect time to rethink your dress game. Just use code Blogger25 at checkout to receive your discount.
To see more outfits inspired by John Singer Sargent’s Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth, please visit Salazar’s post for the complete roundup of submissions. You can also read the details of Salazar’s own inspired outfit here, Daenel’s here, and Terri’s here. Have you joined the Style Imitating Art challenges yet? Be sure to check for the next prompt on Monday, August 30, 2021.
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.
Outfit Details: Dress-c/o Ever Pretty / Kimono-Forever 21 / Necklace-Gift from Michelle of My Bijou Life / Shoes-Payless / Earrings-Old
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
41 Comments
Nancy
What a beautiful painting! That hair!! And what a interesting story again! History is so interesting!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nancy! I love this painting so much!
xoxo
Shelbee
Daenel T.
Love the necklace. And that dress paired with the kimono is stunning. The old outfit is definitely a potential wedding win.
I think this inspiration piece was a whole lot of fun too — the colors are out of my zone, but I had fun styling it.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Daenel! Isn’t the necklace so fabulous? I love the green and purple in it. This painting is my favorite art piece so far because of the rich color palette which is totally in my zone! I love your teal embroidered top, too. That color looks fabulous on you!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mike A.
You look great, Shelbee! Wow, I love the shade of green that your dress has! It’s very viridian in terms of color, which matches your surroundings perfectly as viridian is a very “forest-like” shade of green.
And thanks for the brief history on Sargent, as well as on the dress worn by Ellen Terry! I always enjoy learning about the artists and paintings that are featured in SIA! 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mike! I really enjoy researching and sharing a bit about the artists and the history of the artwork. It makes me feel like I am back in school which I love because I have always been a giant nerd who loves to learn new things!
xoxo
Shelbee
Mike A.
Me too, Shelbee! I’m a huge math and trivia nerd and am always looking things up in books and online. I have several calculator apps on my phone that I play on just for fun! 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I can relate! I am forever learning new things!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
You look amazing in green!!!
Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jennifer! It is my favorite color ever!
xoxo
Shelbee
Suzy
OH M G….you look SMOKIN HOT FREAKING GORGEOUS!!!! I would never have known that this outfit wasn’t actually inspired by this painting, Shelbee! You’re absolutely right about serendipity!!! You already knew I was going to ADORE this look, and I SO DO lol. It’s freaking stunning! Not just the dress, but the way you’ve styled it. I’m in love!! LOL can you tell I really do love it??!!!
Hugs
Suzy xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Haha, thanks so much, Suzy! I did know that you would love this look and photo location! I have one more green dress from Ever Pretty to style and it is absolutely my favorite one by far. And I think you might freak out even more over the last one! I just need to get it photographed! It has been so crazy here the past few weeks. School starts in two weeks and I am really looking forward to the schedule and structure!
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
Wow! You nailed this challenge. You look amazing in green. Love this look.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! I am totally loving this look, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
This SIA challenge was yours from the beginning! You are stunning in those colors! Now, I can’t wait to see the peacock cape. I had heard of both Sargent and Ellen Terry, but I knew nothing about their ties to this play. Thanks so much for the history lesson.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Marsha! I was really happy with all of this! I look forward to wearing this dress to an actual event! I think I put a link to the peacock cape. But in case you missed it, you can see it here! That was a fun photo shoot, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
mireille
Wow! That dress is gorgeous and so perfect for that art piece! Definitely would be perfect for attending a wedding. I need to visit Michelle’s shop again and I need to wear the necklace I bought last year. I am wondering how far she is moving from me (North Carolina is about 3 hours or less from me depending where) so I am thinking a meet up will have to be in order at some point!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Mireille! This dress is definitely up for consideration for our friends’ wedding next summer! Michelle is moving near the Asheville area. I am planning a visit to that area hopefully in the late winter or early spring months. Maybe we can coordinate a whole blogger meet up thing! Wouldn’t that be amazing?!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
We will be in Asheville. 😄
Michelle
OMG! That dress is gorgeous! And the necklace is perfect with it. I knew if anyone would know what to do with this somewhat extravagant piece, it would be you. Thank you for the wonderful shout out. Also, this outfit is a great match for the inspiration art work.
Like you, I often fun in between sizes – the same sizes in fact. And like you, if I choose the bigger size, the straps are too long. Same thing with some bras.
I agree, there is very little evidence to assert that Sargent was gay. Maybe he was asexual. Maybe he just so passionate about his work, he had no room for a wife and children. There are lots of possibilities.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Michelle, thank you so very much for my lovely new necklace! It was like a match made in heaven with this green dress. The dress arrived in the mail only a few days before the necklace so it was perfect timing as well! I do love the drama of it and the greens and purples are so pretty together! I have some other styling ideas for this piece that I need to work on.
And speaking of sizing, it is all so confusing. I just agreed to an underwear collaboration and when I was checking the sizing my waist measurement says I needed a 2XL and my hip measurement said I needed a medium. Like what the hell am I supposed to do with that?! I ordered a large since the underwear are lower on my hips and not high waisted. I just hope they fit!
You found that homosexual conclusion about Sargent kind of weird, too, right? We still live in this heterosexual, monogamous minded, puritan world, don’t we? Not to mention, who cares about his sexuality? Why is this even a thing that people feel the need to emphasize so much?
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
What a fabulous inspiration piece! I love all those teal and peacock shades too. You, once again, nailed it!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Hehe, thanks so much, Joanne! I was really happy with the outcome for this one, too!
xoxo
Shelbee
Pamela Graham
FAB-U-LOUS Darling! The painting screams DRAMA and your outfit certainly doesn’t disappoint. I just love a peacock colorway and your interpretation with dress and kimono is just perfect. The necklace is perfect and I hadn’t realized Michelle has an Etsy shop, must check it out.
Pamela
http://www.style-yourself-confident.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Pamela! The peacock colorway is one of my favorites. And I love that the necklace Michelle made for me is in these same colors. Yes, definitely check out her Etsy shop. She makes some really beautiful pieces!
xoxo
Shelbee
KATHRINE ELDRIDGE
This is seriously the most perfect dress for this piece of art! You look stunning and I love that you took the photos in the forest.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! I was so happy with this whole photo shoot and how well the dress represented the painting!
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
One of my favorite outfits on you! The dress and necklace are beautiful together. And it’s a tremendous tribute to Lady Macbeth and the stunning picture.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gail! I really love the way this whole thing came together, too. And this shade of green is my all time favorite for as long as I can remember! My prom dress was the same color and sequined but much shorter, tighter, and smaller! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Sheila (of Ephemera)
I’m a fan of JSS’s work – I have a couple of prints of his paintings, and am familiar with the inspiration work. Love your interpretation, Shelbee! You look GORGEOUS in this colour, and the dress is really beautiful on you. Love the kimono and gold shoes, and that necklace is stunning. Lastly, great setting for your photo-shoot!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Sheila, thanks so much! Green is my forever favorite color and this deep emerald shade is probably my favorite shade of green. I was so pleased at how well the kimono coordinated with the dress for some extra drama except the little satiny threads on the kimono hem kept getting all caught and tangled into the sequins of the dress. So the kimono ended up being rather impractical with this dress after all. Boo.
xoxo
Shelbee
Terri Gardner
This has to be one of the most incredible looks you have done and what research! I had no idea about the history of that costume-totally amazing. Michelle’s necklace is amazing with it. I’m a little late getting around to everything this time, but better late than never,I guess. Terri
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Terri! I was really pleased with the outcome of this photo shoot! And Michelle’s necklace was so totally perfect with the dress. I was so fascinated by the history of the actual dress as well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Nicole from High Latitude Style
You look stunning in this dress. The photos taken in the forest make you look like a fairy. I saw it’s an Ever Pretty dress. I love their dresses. They make everyone look like a Princess, or even better like a fairy.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Nicole! I am loving my Ever Pretty dresses. I have 5 so far and they really do make me feel like a princess or a fairy in this case! I have one more to photograph and share that is very much like a fairy!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
So very perfect. You totally nailed it.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Patrick!
xoxo
Shelbee
Chickenruby
Beautiful dress and I love how you wear the wrap round style, I either need slighter bigger or smaller boobs to be able to do this, or pins. Thanks for linking with #pocolo
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Suzanne! I generally struggle with this style of dress as well. I had to do some rigging in the back to make sure my boobs were properly covered!
xoxo
Shelbee
Barbara Chapman
Shelbee!!! What a great post… It took me off on a whole tangent when I was prepping Share Your Style #316 this week: I had to talk about the Pre-Raphaelites and my love for those ethereal quality paintings… I love the feelings they evoke! Anyway, awesome post and I LOVE your dress, your necklace, the long wrap (which I remembered from another post!), and the jewel tones… Just stunning! Beautiful! John Singer Sargent was an amazing painter. <3
Happy to feature your post (of course!) and I hope a bunch of people come over to check out the whole party, really cool…
Hugs,
Barb 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Barb, thank you so very much! Oh, I go off on tangents like that all the time! I love researching and learning about the artists featured in this series and I do have so much fun styling my outfits inspired by the art. I just get so excited every time like a girl who loves to play dress up and will use any reason to do it! Haha. I appreciate the feature, my friend!
xoxo
Shelbee