Old Rags

Boy’s robe, ca 1750 France, the Victoria & Albert Museum

This boy’s robe dates from a era when young boys in Europe wore garments with skirts, a custom with unclear origins, but which most likely had to do with making it easier for them to urinate. The style was common until about 1920. A boy usually received his first breeches or trousers between four and seven years of age, sometimes in a special ceremony held by the family.

Men’s frock coat, 1745-50 Scotland

The original owner was a nobleman

Waistcoat, ca 1750 France, LACMA

Dress, 1748-52 England, Kent State

Some of these pictures are so small.  Ugh.

Stomacher detail:

Child’s bodice, ca 1750

Portrait of a Woman by Thomas Gainsborough, ca 1750 England, Kimbell Art Museum

Sitting in panniers

Portrait of a Woman by Robert Feke, ca 1748 US, the Brooklyn Museum

Isabella de Bourbon by Jean-Marc Nattier, 1749, Versailles

Robe à la française made with Chinese silk, ca 1745-50 England, Royal Ontario Museum

Dress, ca 1750 England, Indianapolis Museum of Art

Dress, 1743-49, Museum of London