Striped artwork can trace its beginnings to clothing in the Middle Ages. Once a taboo clothing choice regulated to only specific citizens, in the Italian Renaissance it became fashionable for young men to wear striped tights.
Stripes were even adopted to display the colors of knights, both combat and tournament. The uniform for all French navy men became a navy blue and white shirt with 21 striped symbolizing each of Napoleon’s victories.
And when Queen Victoria started the trend of children in striped sailor suits she dressed her son, Albert Edward in such a garment to board the Royal Yacht. Adding to the nautical popularity, F.X. Winterhalter’s Prince of Wales, melds striped art and fashion. The trend even went into swimwear with navy and white striped bathing suits. Even Coco Chanel fell in love with the art of stripes after a trip to the French Riviera.
When discussing the history of stripped artwork, Gene Davis must be a part of the conversation. Using mostly acrylic he created pieces such as Black Grey Beat. Other notable artists include Barnet Newman’s Black Fire I and Frank Stella’s early work, Hampton Roads.
Striped prints such as those from Panoramic Images bring nature into your home. Andrea Haase and Taylor Greene bring whimsy to the naval theme with their prints Maritime Stripe Welcome, Maritime Stripe Sea, and Anchor Stripe. Louise Carey brings pop culture to your teen’s room with OMG Stripes, and a calming influence can be found in prints by Kristin Emery.
