The text
The differences in the politics of Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II help explain the style of dress of the two men in these two portraits.
The picture shows Oliver Cromwell who ruled England as Lord Protector. Cromwell believed in telling the truth and would not let painters flatter him. He wanted to be painted «warts and all». Oliver Cromwell was a Puritan. His policy was severe, he ruled as a dictator. Under his rule, English men and women had to obey the strict and solemn rule of the Puritans as «children of God».
The Puritans outlawed horse racing, gambling, public dancing, newspapers, and wearing fancy clothers. The Puritans also closed the theatres, since to them plays were spectacles of pleasure. During his reign, fashions were very somber and sober arrays. Tucks and dye-stuffs were considered sinful.
During Cromwell’s Protectorship, Charles II lived in Paris. In 1660 he became the King of England. He preferred the pleasure of being King to the hard work of ruling the country. Charles II, who «never said a foolish thing, nor ever did a wise one» was a welcome change from Cromwellian rule. His reign was carefree and relaxed, as his portrait suggests. In sharp contrast to the drab Puritan leader, Charles II enjoyed elegant garments. His court copied the plush clothing, rich jewellery, and elaborate wigs of Paris. They also wore lace cuffs.
WORDS
Fancy – 1) модный, 2) причудливый, 3) маскарадный
Somber – 1) тёмный, мрачный, 2) угрюмый
Sober – 1) умеренный, 2) рассудительный, 3) спокойный ( о красках)
Drab – 1) тускло-коричневый, 2) скучный, бесцветный
Plush – плюшевый
Elaborate – продуманный, изысканный
Cuff – манжета
Tuck – складка, оборка
Dye stuff – красящее вещество
Garments , array, apparel = clothes
The text
The differences in the politics of Oliver Cromwell and King Charles II help explain the style of dress of the two men in these two portraits.
The picture shows Oliver Cromwell who ruled England as Lord Protector. Cromwell believed in telling the truth and would not let painters flatter him. He wanted to be painted «warts and all». Oliver Cromwell was a Puritan. His policy was severe, he ruled as a dictator. Under his rule, English men and women had to obey the strict and solemn rule of the Puritans as «children of God».
The Puritans outlawed horse racing, gambling, public dancing, newspapers, and wearing fancy clothers. The Puritans also closed the theatres, since to them plays were spectacles of pleasure. During his reign, fashions were very somber and sober arrays. Tucks and dye-stuffs were considered sinful.
During Cromwell’s Protectorship, Charles II lived in Paris. In 1660 he became the King of England. He preferred the pleasure of being King to the hard work of ruling the country. Charles II, who «never said a foolish thing, nor ever did a wise one» was a welcome change from Cromwellian rule. His reign was carefree and relaxed, as his portrait suggests. In sharp contrast to the drab Puritan leader, Charles II enjoyed elegant garments. His court copied the plush clothing, rich jewellery, and elaborate wigs of Paris. They also wore lace cuffs.
WORDS
Fancy – 1) модный, 2) причудливый, 3) маскарадный
Somber – 1) тёмный, мрачный, 2) угрюмый
Sober – 1) умеренный, 2) рассудительный, 3) спокойный ( о красках)
Drab – 1) тускло-коричневый, 2) скучный, бесцветный
Plush – плюшевый
Elaborate – продуманный, изысканный
Cuff – манжета
Tuck – складка, оборка
Dye stuff – красящее вещество
Garments , array, apparel = clothes
