Basquine

Art Historical Context

The Basquine, created around 1855, is a refined example of mid-nineteenth-century women's outerwear preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. Made of silk, this fitted bodice or short jacket would have been worn over a full skirt, embodying the structured elegance typical of Victorian fashion in both America and Europe. Its survival offers a tangible connection to the era's emphasis on refined silhouettes and luxurious materials. Silk garments like this one highlight the advanced textile techniques of the period, including intricate weaving and dyeing that conveyed wealth and status. As a product of anonymous craftsmanship, the piece reflects broader cultural values around femininity, propriety, and the growing ready-to-wear influences of the 1850s. Donated to the museum in 1981 by Mrs. Joseph B. Ziegler, the Basquine enriches our understanding of how clothing shaped daily life and social identity during a transformative time in fashion history.