Evening gown
(c. 1805)
Medium
cotton (muslin), glass (beads), metal (thread)
Measurements
(a) 128.0 cm (centre back) 22.0 cm (sleeve length) (gown)
(b) 44.0 × 214.0 cm (veil)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gift Program, 2025
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
After the French Revolution (1789–99), Joséphine Bonaparte (1763–1814), wife of the French Consul and later emperor, embraced the prevailing spirit of Neoclassicism. She wore bare-armed, cylindrical gowns of white muslin that sat high under the bust. The loose-fitting style directly contrasted the restrictive silhouettes worn prior and subtly alluded to the drapery of ancient Greek and Roman statues. Evening gowns such as this were made from sheer silks and cottons, delicately embellished with beading and embroidery to achieve a ‘Grecian’ effect.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
(England)
Accession Number
2025.731.a-b
Department
International Fashion and Textiles