Galerie des Modes, 22e Cahier, 4e Figure

Costume of a Fury or Eumenide restored for the theatre of the Opera by P. N Sarrazin, Costumer to TRH Nosseigneurs the Princes, Brothers of the King. (1779)

BALL AND THEATRICAL DRESS.  Character of a Fury.  The bodice is composed of two dragon skins, trimmed with their wings; some forming the sleeves and collar with revers, the others falling in drapery over the petticoat or bottom of the Gown, serving as its head.  The whole thrown in drapery over the body [or stays], held in by twining serpents, and a large iron ring headed with a screech owl.

Amadis sleeves matching the petticoat, fire-colored; the joints of the arms serving as haunts for the interlaced serpents.

Petticoat or bottom of the Gown, pulled up with chains, and edged with multicolored sequined embroidery, representing the attributes of Anger and Envy.

For the ornamenting of the Print, the Artist drew the serpents over the brodequins.*  But as this Outfit is intended for dancing, this trim must be removed, as it could obstruct the Dancer's movements.

* "an ancient sort of shoe worn by hunters, and by actors of tragedies" - Dictionnaire Royal

Comments

  1. Hi Cassidy,

    Just wanted to say thank you for the GdM translation project! I have pored over these posts the last couple of days--I'm working on big 18th century costuming plans for 2013. BTW, I'm about to start my second semester of the Fashion and Textiles studies program. :)

    Leia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Excellent to meet you! Glad to help out. Feel free to email/message/anything me any time - I'm working on several 18th century projects at once (this, a pattern book, translations of The Art of the Linen-Maker and The Art of the Tailor (which also includes the art of the leather-breeches-maker, the stay-maker, and the seamstress, although I'm still at the tailor so far)) and I love sharing. How do you like FIT so far?

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    2. The program is fantastic, although it drastically cuts down my sewing time! I'm enjoying the break between semesters to sneak in a little extra costuming. Your translation projects sound wonderful, especially since my French is non-existent. I'm looking forward to reading more!

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  2. This would make quite the Halloween costume!
    -Emily

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    Replies
    1. I would love to have a party sometime where the theme is for costumes that would have been worn as costumes in-period. So many options here!

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