Shirt

Unknown

late 18th century · linen · Costume Institute

This is a beautifully detailed infant's garment with almost infinitesimal stitching. The pleating of the sleeves is labor-intensive and refined, as well as intricate, with almost miniscule needlework at the shoulders. The ruffle around the collar and the front edges is made from a finer, sheerer fabric than the rest, showing a sense of thoughtfulness. To have such a refined example of pre-nineteenth century babywear is fairly rare.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 18th century

Medium

linen

Culture

probably British

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Jean Olds, 1966