Chemisette

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of 1860s American fashion with *Chemisette*, a linen garment from the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Created by an unknown artist in 0, this piece exemplifies mid-19th-century womenswear, serving as a detachable collar or bodice insert. Worn over low-necked dresses, chemisettes modesty while adding a touch of refined decoration—perfect for the bustling social life of Civil War-era America, when floral motifs bloomed in popularity as symbols of femininity and nature's grace. Crafted from fine linen, a breathable and durable fabric ideal for lay...