Curatorial Narrative The somber tones of Edwin Forbes’ “After dress parade” (1876) evoke the staid elegance of the Victorian era. Executed in a linear brushwork style characteristic of realism, the work reveals a masterful handling of light and atmosphere within its sepia-toned palette. The architectural subject matter is presented with a level of detail that bespeaks an artistic interest in documenting the everyday lives of those living during this period.As one contemplates the work at its intended scale of 61×44 inches, the monochromatic tones take on a heightened sense of atmospheric weight, imbuing the space with an air of quiet contemplation. The spatial depth created through Forbes’ use of perspective draws the viewer into the scene, whereupon they are enveloped by the rustic design styles that populate the interior. In this context, material pairing becomes crucial, as one might opt to pair the somber tones of the artwork wi