(Above) Philosophy Presenting the Seven Liberal Arts to Boethius Coëtivy Master (Henri de Vulcop) 1460 - 1470
Fashion in the Middle Ages
Women clothing in medieval times was all based on the feudal system. Their attire provided the public information about their social status. Clothing was very influenced by the king and queen of the time. Only the wealthy were allowed to dress in fancy fashionable clothes.
In 900- 1000 B.C. Women in the middle ages were greatly influenced by the classic styles of The Greek and Roman. Their clothes were incredibly tight, and displayed the women's figure and form. They would often cover the neck because of how high they were sewn. Like the romans, long tunics reached the heels and were fastened at he waist. Queens, princesses, and ladies of nobility wore an additional long cloak lined with ermine.
Skipping a few thousand years and going on to 1200- 1300 B.C., women wore fitted gowns with tight bodices. The clothing was elaborately decorated and richly embroidered. By the 1300-1400 B.C., women began to wear their hair back with a crépine or silken net, instead down loosely close to the face. Wigs started to come into play during this time. The corset was beginning to become commonly used and very popular. An example of the 1300 B.C. fashion is shown in the women's portrait to the left.
In this painting, the artist used fluid brushstrokes to show the figures expression. Small swift brushstroke are also used to show the texture in the figures dress and show the soft silk pleads in her corset and skirt. The soft ivory dabs the painter uses for the women's hair gives emphasis on the soft wigs and hairnets that were worn. The posture and way her hands and arms are positioned show the charm and elegance that was brought during the period of the middle Ages.
In 900- 1000 B.C. Women in the middle ages were greatly influenced by the classic styles of The Greek and Roman. Their clothes were incredibly tight, and displayed the women's figure and form. They would often cover the neck because of how high they were sewn. Like the romans, long tunics reached the heels and were fastened at he waist. Queens, princesses, and ladies of nobility wore an additional long cloak lined with ermine.
Skipping a few thousand years and going on to 1200- 1300 B.C., women wore fitted gowns with tight bodices. The clothing was elaborately decorated and richly embroidered. By the 1300-1400 B.C., women began to wear their hair back with a crépine or silken net, instead down loosely close to the face. Wigs started to come into play during this time. The corset was beginning to become commonly used and very popular. An example of the 1300 B.C. fashion is shown in the women's portrait to the left.
In this painting, the artist used fluid brushstrokes to show the figures expression. Small swift brushstroke are also used to show the texture in the figures dress and show the soft silk pleads in her corset and skirt. The soft ivory dabs the painter uses for the women's hair gives emphasis on the soft wigs and hairnets that were worn. The posture and way her hands and arms are positioned show the charm and elegance that was brought during the period of the middle Ages.
Lancret, Women with servant, detail Boston
18th 1700-1775 B.C.
18th 1700-1775 B.C.
Women using the reel, 1400 B.C. Illuminated manuscript from the Koninklijke Bibliotheek (left) Unknown artist, 1400 B.C. Woman spinning flax using a drop spindle and distaff. ( right)
Christine de Pizan at work in her study; possibly the earliest portrait of a real woman in medieval Europe (bottom)
Christine de Pizan at work in her study; possibly the earliest portrait of a real woman in medieval Europe (bottom)