Ensemble

Unknown

ca. 1893 · silk, cotton · Costume Institute

This boy's ensemble encompasses the historicism that was so prevalent in the 1890s and 1900s. The shirt refers to those worn by partisans of King Charles I of England (reign 1625-49) known as Cavaliers. These gentlemen were well bred and their style consisted of long hair, colorful clothes with elaborate trimmings and lace collars and cuffs, and plumed hats. Their refined dress made them dandies of the time, as would this ensemble, when worn by a young boy. Obviously, this was a special-occasion garment, due to its pristine condition.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1893

Medium

silk, cotton

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

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