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Marks or LabelsCardboard tag pinned in back neckline of tailcoat: BENTHAM / FOUND SEPT. 1969 / FANCY DRESS Engraved on buckle of waistcoat: PARIS Handwritten label attached to pants: BENTHAM / FOUND SEPT. 1969 / FANCY DRESS Handwritten label attached to hat: PILLOW VAUGHAN COLL. / OCT. 1968 / FANCY DRESS / HOS(?)ER

Date 1880

Medium / Technique Silk satin, glazed cotton twill, glazed cotton plain weave, silk taffeta, silk velvet, cotton lace, cotton braid trim, shank button, padding, metal buckle, metal button, silk grosgrain ribbon, silk satin ribbon, cardboard

Dimensions.1) Coat: 134.5 cm (length); bust: 83.6 cm (circumference); sleeve: 64.7 cm (length) .2) Waistcoat: 56.8 cm (length); bust: 95.8 cm (circumference) .3) Pants: 115.6 cm (length); waist: 80.6 cm (circumference) .4) Hat: 53.6 cm × 29.5 cm (length × width)

ClassificationPersonal Objects - Clothing - Main Garments

Object NumberM2022X.1.5.1-4

DivisionDress, Fashion and Textiles - Fashion, clothing and accessories

CollectionMcCord

CreditGift of Mabel Bentham

NotesExhibition Costume Balls - Dressing Up History, 1870-1927
An Incroyable
This character was based on caricatures of fashionable young men during the Directoire regime immediately following the French Revolution. They were typically illustrated wearing a jacket with exaggerated lapels and large buttons, either long loose trousers or skin-tight knee breeches, a huge neckcloth, thick glasses or a lorgnette, an overstated bicorne hat, and a walking stick. The character was equally popular with women, who feminized the costume with a skirt.

Status

On view

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