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Riding Habit

early 1770s
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
Leaving the wearer’s feet uncovered, the riding costume’s shorter skirt allowed for greater freedom of movement, making it suitable for travel. The pleated and flared skirt pairs with a fitted jacket, tailored like a man’s. For a visit to Versailles, the owner would have changed from her unadorned riding outfit into an elaborately trimmed robe à la française with a full skirt over a wide hoop.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Riding Habit
  • Date: early 1770s
  • Culture: British
  • Medium: Wool broadcloth, linen, embroidered with silver-gilt thread and spangles
  • Dimensions: Display footprint mounted on mannequin: 61 × 35 7/16 × 25 9/16 in. (155 × 90 × 65 cm)
    Height: 59 1/16 in. (150 cm)
    Width (of wool, selvedge to selvedge): 60 7/16 in. (153.5 cm)
  • Classification: Main dress-Womenswear
  • Credit Line: Victoria and Albert Museum, London (269&A&B-1890)
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts