Shawl
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
[no medium available]
Classification
Shawl
Culture
Belgian
Department
Costume Institute
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Antonia Draper Dixon and Mrs. Annie Dixon McClure, 1915
Accession Number
15.42.1
Art Historical Context
This elegant 19th-century Belgianawl, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of's Costume Institute, offers a glimpse into the refined world of European fashion during the Victorian era. Created by an unknown artist, exemplifies the accessory's role as both a practical garment for warmth and a statement of style and status. Shawls were ubiquitous among women of the bourgeoisie and aristocracy, draped over shoulders or used to frame elaborate gowns, reflecting the era's emphasis on modesty,, and intricate detailing. In Belgian culture, such pieces highlight the nation's renowned textile heritage, p...