Maybe it's just my perception, but I think miniature portraits are an underutilized primary source for researching accessories and gowns. Here are highlights of some the V&A's miniatures...
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| English, 1775-1780 accession number P.94-1910 |
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| English, c.1780 accession number P.71-1910 It looks like her sleeve pleats are at the top of her shoulder. I usually pleat my sleeves towards the back. |
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| Misses Annabella and Mary Craufurd painted by Samuel Shelley, 1782 accession number P.7-1925 |
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| Viennese, 1780s accession number P.25-1954 |
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| English, 1780s accession number P.20-1929 I love love love the trim on her hat. I just wish we could see the other side. |
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| English, 1780s accession number P.26-1941 |
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| Frances Susan Lambton, 1796 accession number EVANS.241 |
This article from The Met includes background information about miniatures and a nice slideshow from their collections.
Oh, it's too funny - most of the images you posted I have in my "collection" too! Great minds think alike... They're so great for researching hair and hats.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen http://www.miniaturen-tansey.de/en/ ? Great collection with a sweet zoom feature!