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    Art of the Fold: Drawings of Drapery and Costume

    October 6, 2015–January 10, 2016

    Getty Center

    A Lady Walking in a Garden with a Child

    A Lady Walking in a Garden with a Child, about 1785, Thomas Gainsborough; black chalk with stumping, heightened with white pastel. The J. Paul Getty Museum

  • Study of Fanny Cornforth, asleep on a chaise-longue

    Study of Fanny Cornforth, asleep on a chaise-longue, 1862, Dante Gabriel Rossetti; graphite. The J. Paul Getty Museum

  • The Duchess of Chaulnes as a Gardener in an Allée

    The Duchess of Chaulnes as a Gardener in an Allée, 1771, Louis Carrogis de Carmontelle; watercolor and gouache over black and red chalk. The J. Paul Getty Museum

  • Studies of Christ’s Loincloth

    Studies of Christ’s Loincloth, about 1490, Master of the Coburg Roundels; pen and brown and black ink with brown and gray wash. The J. Paul Getty Museum

  • Study for the Kneeling Virgin

    Study for the Kneeling Virgin, about 1625, Tanzio da Varallo; red chalk. The J. Paul Getty Museum

  • Man in Korean Costume

    Man in Korean Costume, about 1617, Peter Paul Rubens; black chalk with touches of red chalk. The J. Paul Getty Museum

  • An Azappo Archer with a Cheetah

    An Azappo Archer with a Cheetah, about 1575, Jacopo Ligozzi; brush, pen and brown ink, tempera colors, and painted gold. The J. Paul Getty Museum

  • A Standard Bearer

    A Standard Bearer, 1519, Sebald Beham; pen and black ink. The J. Paul Getty Museum

Art of the Fold: Drawings of Drapery and Costume

October 6, 2015–January 10, 2016, Getty Center

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This exhibition of drawings from the permanent collection explores how artists have used studies of drapery and costume to do much more than represent fabric. Cloth—folded, hanging, wrapped, and fluttering—was full of expressive potential, and drapery studies helped convey such emotions as anger, piety, and religious fervor. In drawings of soldiers, peasants, nobles, and foreigners, clothing served as a primary indicator of social standing and class. In designs made for the theater, costume could embellish or even mask identity. With their focus on the relationship between the body and cloth, these drawn studies evoke moods, shape character, and tell stories.

RELATED EVENTS

A variety of special programs complement the exhibition. All events are free, unless otherwise noted. Seating reservations are required. For reservations and information, please call (310) 440-7300 or see information on planning a visit.

COURSES
Looking at European Frames: A Guide to Terms, Styles, and Techniques

Enjoy the tradition of sketching at the Getty Center every first and third Sunday of the month at the Getty Center. All experience levels welcome. In October, discover techniques for drawing dynamic drapery with artist Kaitlynn Redell. Participants are encouraged to bring sketchpads. Sign-up begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Information Desk. This is a free program.
Sunday, October 4 and 18, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Getty Center, Museum galleries

The Gathering

Do you love to draw? Join us for this drop-in drawing event, sketch from a costumed model, and be inspired by dynamic drapery and texture with artists Marissa Magdelena and Kaitlynn Redell. All skill levels welcome. Supplies and guidance provided. Presented in conjunction with the city-wide Big Draw L.A. event and the exhibition Art of the Fold: Drawings of Drapery and Costume. This is a free program.
Saturday, October 10, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Getty Center, Museum Courtyard

Drawing from the Masters: Gathers and Folds

Enjoy the tradition of sketching from original works of art every first and third Sunday of the month at the Getty Center. All experience levels welcome. In November, learn to draw fabrics and textures while exploring 18th-century fashion with artist Marissa Magdelena. All experience levels welcome. Participants are encouraged to bring sketchpads. Sign-up begins at 2:30 p.m. at the information desk. This is a free program.
Sunday, November 1 and 15, 3:30–5:30 p.m.
Getty Center, Museum galleries

TOURS
Curator’s Gallery Tour

Stephanie Schrader, curator of drawings, the J. Paul Getty Museum, leads a tour of the exhibition.
Wednesday, October 28 and November 28, 2:30 p.m.
Getty Center: Museum galleries

IRIS GETTY BLOG

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