Suit

Unknown

1755–65 · wool, silk · Costume Institute

The British aesthetic during the 18th century tended to veer away from the ostentatious French styles being worn at the same time. The textiles were more somber, the silhouettes more simple and the fashions more basic while decoration and elaborate textiles flourished in France. Interestingly, nearing the end of Louis XVI's (1754-1793) reign, the simple English styles were adopted by some Frenchman in an attempt to publicly express their rage towards the aristocracy. This particular British suit is exemplary of popular dress in England during the middle of the 18th century with its somber wool, minimal decoration and plain buttons.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1755–65

Medium

wool, silk

Culture

British

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; H. Randolph Lever Fund, 1968