Theatre Costume
mid 18th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This costume comes from Meleto Castle in Tuscany, where there is a private theatre, which was opened in 1741. It is a very early example of a costume made specially for the stage and, although probably used in productions of plays, it was also undoubtedly used for masques and other entertainments which included dancing.
Furnishing velvet rather than finger velvet was used as it was more effective in candlelight and because it would better withstand the weight of the metallic embroidery. The use of such precious metals and expensive fabrics was only within the means of rich artistocrats.
Furnishing velvet rather than finger velvet was used as it was more effective in candlelight and because it would better withstand the weight of the metallic embroidery. The use of such precious metals and expensive fabrics was only within the means of rich artistocrats.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Linen covered in crimson velvet with raised silver embroidery |
| Brief description | Theatre costume of crimson velvet and silver strip and thread embroidery worn in private court performances in Italy, ca. 1750 |
| Physical description | Italian 18th century stage costume worn in private court performances at the Meleto Castle, Tuscany. Crimson velvet skirted sleeveless costume fastened at the back with eyelet holes. The basic structure coarse hessian sewn together roughly with coarse linen thread. Covering the linen is crimson velvet with raised silver embroidery in a stylized design of flowers and scrolls on the body, in silver purl and thread, individual motifs on the peplum and scrolls on the body. Two velvets have been used of the late 17th century, the second reused to repair the first. |
| Dimensions |
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| Object history | This costume comes from Meleto Castle in Tuscany, where there is a private theatre, which was opened in 1741. It is a very early example of a costume made specially for the stage and, although probably used in productions of plays, it was also undoubtedly used for masques and other entertainments which included dancing. Sarah Woodcock & Philip Dyer, 1981. |
| Summary | This costume comes from Meleto Castle in Tuscany, where there is a private theatre, which was opened in 1741. It is a very early example of a costume made specially for the stage and, although probably used in productions of plays, it was also undoubtedly used for masques and other entertainments which included dancing. Furnishing velvet rather than finger velvet was used as it was more effective in candlelight and because it would better withstand the weight of the metallic embroidery. The use of such precious metals and expensive fabrics was only within the means of rich artistocrats. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | S.92-1978 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2004 |
| Record URL |
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