Ralph Earl paints textile merchant, Elijah Boardman (1789) in his black and tan ensemble, complete with just a little flair in the form of buttons and buckles. Yay or Nay?
[Metropolitan Museum of Art]
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Yay or Nay? Elijah Boardman
Last week, Duchess Elizabeth's aqua gown was not too much for you, although many felt the sleeves were a bit on the puffy side. This week let us critique one in the fashion industry himself, on his choice of outfit. But can a Yank hold his own with competition from the likes of European royalty?
Ralph Earl paints textile merchant, Elijah Boardman (1789) in his black and tan ensemble, complete with just a little flair in the form of buttons and buckles. Yay or Nay?
Ralph Earl paints textile merchant, Elijah Boardman (1789) in his black and tan ensemble, complete with just a little flair in the form of buttons and buckles. Yay or Nay?
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Yay. He's hot.
ReplyDeleteAt first glance his outfit seemed quite ordinary. Not in bad taste at all, but a bit boring. Then I zoomed in and noticed the beautiful fabric his vest was made of, and the little touches of gold trim and the gold buttons, and think I quite like his elegant, but restrained look! He gets a Yay.
ReplyDeleteYay! Somber, yet refined. Yanks can hold their own with Europeans, and even trounce them from time to time--as history well shows!
ReplyDeleteYay! I like it, and he's not bad himself.
ReplyDeleteSleek, understated but still very stylish with being flamboyant.
ReplyDeleteso a Yea.
I like it for many reasons, though mostly because it is classy and subtle. There was an article in the Times a while back, possibly tongue in cheek, about how it is now in style for male hipsters to have a little bit of a gut. You could hear the personal trainers groaning all over Manhattan. I think Elijah would be pleased.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm just spoiled, but I find it boring instead of restrained. I think the use of all neutral colors is part of what gives me that impression. The man himself, is not bad-looking.
ReplyDeleteAt first I thought "nay" but I looked for a bit longer and decided I quite like his understated look. I believe, though, that the beautiful fabrics visible through the door behind him may have something to do with it! I didn't think I was mercenary...but hey =p! It's a "yay".
ReplyDeleteYay!
ReplyDeleteSimple and elegant. It's a good look for him!
For an American, I say YAY. I like what Rosel said. He is too rugged to be wearing an over-embroidered pastel waistcoat!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely yay
ReplyDeleteThe colonies (America) had everything Europe had during the 18th century, especially fashion, just only a few weeks late. Just because we're an ocean away doesn't mean our sense of style and taste was completely different from our French and English counterparts. It's a yay. It's well tailored and sophisticated.
ReplyDeleteI'd date him. Yay.
ReplyDeleteHave to agree with many others, and give it a yay. It's fitting for a textile merchant, he seems serious and professional.
ReplyDeleteMost definitely Yay--and look at the gorgeous fabric rolls in the warehouse! Josephine
ReplyDeleteYay. That vest makes it splendid.
ReplyDeleteYay!! Beautifully tailored!
ReplyDeleteTotal yay. American restraint, low key but high quality--check the sheen on those stockings (and no need for cork calf enhancers, either).
ReplyDelete