37e Cahier, 29e Suite, NN.215

Fashion plate showing a man in a white jacket and black breeches.

Gallerie des modes et costumes français. 37e Cahier des Costumes Français. 29e Suite d'Habillemens à la mode, en 1781. NN.215
ca. 1781
Designed by Pierre-Thomas Le Clerc (French, Paris 1740–1796); engraved by Etienne Claude Voysard (French, Paris 1746–1812)
Hand-colored engraving
Approx. 11 1/2 × 17 in. (29.2 × 43.2 cm)
Frick Art Research Library; Gift of Melinda Martin Sullivan, 2016
Image Frick Digital Studio

 

Mourning in Style
Compared to the black attire of full mourning, half-mourning dress was more embellished, incorporating white and gray textiles and decoration. Even though prolonged periods of court mourning significantly undermined the production and sale of colored textiles and jewelry, dressmakers and merchants found ways to innovate, especially during half mourning, when restrictions were relaxed and greater variety was allowed.

Inscription
English: "Petit deuil garment, made of gray fabric lined with black fabric, edged with black cord, the white waistcoat is embroidered with black decorations, frayed cuffs."

French: "Hâbit de petit deuil, gris doublé de noir, bordé de Gance noir, la veste blanche brodé de noir, manchettes Efilées."