Category: 1850-1859
Overview
All Entries
1856 – Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Madame Moitessier
In Ingres’s 1856 portrait, Madame Moitessier wears a fashionable off-the-shoulder dress with a bertha collar trimmed with tassels. The evening dress reflects her elegant taste and features the essential elements of 1850s fashion–from its floral silk brocade fabric to its Renaissance-revival jewelry.
Read More
1855 – Franz-Xaver Winterhalter, The Empress Eugénie Surrounded by her Ladies-in-Waiting
Well-known in the 19th century for his skill at portraiture, Wintherhalter created iconic mannered poses and captured ravishingly elegant dresses, like those in this portrait of the Empress Eugénie and her ladies in waiting, who dress in the most fashionable styles of day.
Read More
1859 – Gold silk day dress with floral brocade
While the silhouette of this day dress, its floral brocade, and its use of fringe were fashionable for 1859, its choice of gold silk fabric and naturalistic coloring for the flowers was less so.
Read More
Recent Essays
kenteIn 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, Africa, K, term definition
AkweteIn 19th century, 20th century, A, Africa, term definition
cochineal dyesIn 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, Americas, C, term definition
wampumIn 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, Americas, term definition, W
moccasinsIn 19th century, Americas, M, term definition
