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Creating an Ideal
Southern Beauty Southern Beauty
Charles Dana Gibson's creation, the "Gibson Girl," possessed a flawlessly beautiful face, was tall and slim-waisted yet voluptuous, and radiated physical grace and self confidence. Each drawing displayed here exemplifies a different aspect of Gibson's iconic ideal of white, middle-class American womanhood. Modeling how to dress, stand, sit, present oneself, and interact with others, the Gibson Girl set the standard for feminine beauty and behavior from the 1890s until World War I. In his work, Gibson drew from professional models, family, and friends. These reportedly included his sister, Mrs. Josephine Gibson Knowlton; his wife, Irene (née) Langhorne; actress Camille Clifford; and dancer Evelyn Nesbit. |