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Ensemble

probably European

ca. 1798

Not on view

It is the combination of elements within this costume that makes it so interesting. Embroidered, open-fronted robes with matching underskirts are more usually associated with the 1760s to 1780s, but the train and the tiny bodice, only two and one-half inches from neckline to waist, preclude any date earlier than about 1798. The matching fichu is extremely rare. Each piece is embroidered with variations on the floral designs rather than mere duplications, suggesting artisanal primacy, not pattern book repetitions. This dress is believed to have belonged to Catherine Beekman (1762-1839), wife of Elisha Boudinot of Princeton, New Jersey.

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

Ensemble, cotton, silk, probably European

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

Detail: floral embroidery.

Title: Ensemble

Date: ca. 1798

Culture: probably European

Medium: cotton, silk

Credit Line: Purchase, Irene Lewisohn and Alice L. Crowley Bequests, 1992

Accession Number: 1992.119.1a–c

Chronology

France, 1600-1800 A.D.

Chronology

France, 1800-1900 A.D.

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The Costume Institute at The Met

The Costume Institute's collection of more than 33,000 costumes and accessories represents five continents and seven centuries of fashionable dress and accessories for men, women, and children.