What Goes on Under a Sicilian Womans Dress?
” The Sixteenth Century “Trousseau of a Sicilian Bride” Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of New York, Costume Institute Few undergarments from the sixteenth century exist, yet costume historians have many questions about what underclothing was worn, especially by women. The Metropolitan Museum of New York at the Costume Institute has in its study collection a set, virtually unused, consisting of two pairs of drawers, a pair of stockings, a chemise and several shirts. This lecture will summarize findings of an in-depth study of these garments, focusing on textile production, cut, construction and embellishment, as well as the origins of the collection. The pieces in the collection share many similarities, providing support for the theory that this collection for the most part was likely the product of one person’s hands, which matches the provenance provided by the Museum. The lecture will discuss the unique features of each of the pieces as well. Many assumptions have been made ab
