Marie Antoinette: The Queen of Fashion: Gallerie des Modes et Costumes Français

Charles Emmanuel Patas (1744-1802), Nicolas Dupin (1753-after 1787), hand-coloured engravings, 1778-1787

French queens were expected to set an example in the realm of fashion. As the wife of Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette threw herself into this task with enthusiasm. Together with her marchande de modes Rose Bertin and her hairdresser Léonard, she launched many a new fashion. Court etiquette dictated robes de cour – lavishly embellished gowns with wide skirts. When receiving visitors, Marie Antoinette wore a robe à la polonaise 1 2, but preferred an informal, loose-fitting gown when at her own pavilion in Versailles. This chemise de la reine 3 was quickly adopted by other women of the elite.

  • Artwork typemodeprent
  • Object numberRP-P-2009-1217
  • Dimensionsheight 297 mm x width 216 mm
  • Physical characteristicsgravure, met de hand gekleurd