Art. Tom Roberts’ ‘La Favorita’ and Her Red Dress

Tom Roberts’ La Favorita (1889), a standout piece from his renowned 9 by 5 Impression Exhibition, exemplifies the Australian Impressionist movement. Painted on a cedar cigar box lid, the artwork features a woman adorned in a vivid red dress, a choice that reflects both contemporary fashion and Roberts’ artistic sensibilities. This composition bridges European cultural influences and the burgeoning Australian art scene of the late 19th century.

The Red Dress: A Statement of Style and Symbolism

The red dress in La Favorita is a central focus, drawing the viewer’s attention and offering layers of meaning. Red symbolized passion, power, and social sophistication in late Victorian fashion. The garment aligns with the trends of the time, as color and fabric choices were indicators of wealth and personal expression. By choosing such a bold color, Roberts not only captured his subject’s allure but also positioned her as a figure of confidence and vitality, resonating with the modern themes favored by Impressionist artists.

The title, La Favorita—meaning “The Favorite” in Spanish or Italian—evokes an air of mystery and exoticism. This connection to broader European traditions suggests a deliberate attempt to appeal to Melbourne’s cosmopolitan aspirations during Roberts’ time.

Art and Fashion in Dialogue

Fashion and art were closely intertwined in the late 19th century. Roberts, influenced by his studies in Europe, was attuned to the role of fashion as both a subject and a storytelling device in visual art. The red dress in La Favorita mirrors the Impressionists’ fascination with contemporary life, depicting clothing not just for its visual appeal but as an extension of character and mood.

In turn, paintings like La Favorita influenced public perceptions of fashion. Artists captured the essence of their times, offering a lens through which viewers could engage with the cultural and sartorial zeitgeist.

Context and Legacy

Created for the 9 by 5 Impression Exhibition, La Favorita reflects Roberts’ innovative spirit and desire to depict everyday life with immediacy and emotional resonance. The exhibition, held in Melbourne, showcased small works designed to convey fleeting impressions—a hallmark of the Impressionist ethos.

The painting remains a vivid testament to Roberts’ skill in merging form, color, and narrative. It continues to be celebrated for its exploration of identity and modernity, offering insight into the dynamic relationship between art and fashion.

For more details on La Favorita, its exhibition history, and its cultural significance, you can explore the following sources:

• National Gallery of Victoria​
  NGV
• Mossgreen Auctions Provenance​
  The Saleroom
• La Favorita and the 9 by 5 Exhibition Context​
  National Gallery

Subscribe on social media and email list to get artsy and travel updates, as well as get 15% off the Shop (yes, we have a Creative Shop)!