Dress
Unknown Artist
1800–1804
Medium
cotton, silver
Classification
Dress
Culture
probably French
Department
Costume Institute
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Polaire Weissman Fund, 2015
Accession Number
2015.538
Art Historical Context
This exquisite dress, crafted between 1800 and 1804 by an unknown artist, likely hails from France, the epicenter of early 19th-century fashion Made from cotton adorned with shimmering silver elements—possibly metallic threads or embroidery—it exemplifies the Empire style that dominated the Napoleonic era. High-waisted and flowing, such gowns drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman drapery, reflecting the neoclassical revival following the French Revolution. Cotton's lightweight breathability made it ideal for summer wear, while the silver accents added a touch of opulent sparkle, signal...