fur
In 2023 as in 1854
“bravery” doesn’t mean only “courage”;
it can also mean “dressing to show off.” Consider the rose in Herbert’s “Virtue,” with its “hue, angry and brave.”
Or, because the rose display can also include yellow, consider:
Leopold in New York
Or, sadomasochism of black and white.
Executive portrait with central warmth
To wear to warm the globe
He speaks of his beauty with Mme. Récamier
Vestment
To prepare for the dawn, garb yourself in plush.
The idea of texture: homage to Edward Gorey
Source: “Curtis Gillette.” George Grantham Bain Collection, Library of Congress, http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/ggb2006000900/. Photoshopped.
First class: from the early days of air travel
Sources: National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress, http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/npc2008008383/ and http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/npco/item/npc2007018422/. Photoshopped.
Unconscious despair: the face of the consolation prize
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“The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation. From the desperate city you go into the desperate country, and have to console yourself with the bravery of minks and muskrats. A stereotyped but unconscious despair is concealed even under what are called the games and amusements of mankind.”
— Walden, chapter 1
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Bravery: “Finery, fine clothes.” — Oxford English Dictionary, definition 3b