Skirt from a Court Gown
1805-15
Medium
Silk, satin weave; embroidered with gold metal-wrapped over a silk fibre core, gold frisé, silk, gold metal formed ornaments, "purl," spangles, gold metal strips; couching over paper core and silk padding, in pattern and backstitch; trimmed with bobbin lace made of gold metal strip wound around a silk fibre core
Dimensions
117.4 × 214.4 cm (46 1/4 × 84 1/2 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
93311
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
While early 19th century fashion tended to lighter fabrics and less decoration than that of the previous century, dress for formal occasions such as appearances at court continued to be subject to strict rules, as exemplified by this garment. The trio of lilies at the center of the skirt are a symbol of French royalty. The textures of the different metal threads applied to the shining satin fabric each reflect light slightly differently.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...