Shirt
Unknown Artist
1844
Medium
linen, cotton
Classification
Shirt
Culture
American
Department
Costume Institute
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Ambrose Lansing, 1950
Accession Number
C.I.50.31
Art Historical Context
This elegant linen and cotton shirt, crafted in 1844 by an American maker, offers a glimpse into everyday mid-19th-century life in the United States. Made from breathable natural fibers—linen for its crispness and cotton for durability—the garment reflects the practical choices of the era, when hand-sewn clothing was the norm for both men and women of the middle class. Simple yet finely constructed, it likely served as an undergarment or work shirt, highlighting the unadorned functionality prized before the lavish styles of the Victorian age took hold. Historically, this piece captures Americ...