The Next Project: An “English Burgundian”
I’ve been meaning to post about this since before I got distracted with my regency petticoat. I decided that while I’m waiting to buy all the materials for my green May Dress (and most especially waiting to have enough “fun money” saved up to actually afford the materials) I decided to start on a completely new and different 15th century project:
Left: 1479, Sir Thomas Playters and his wife, Sotterley, Suffolk
Right: 1475 Elizabeth Seyntmour, Beckington, Somerset, England
I love this style - the curvy gothic-fitted-dress with the V-ish neckline, the hip belt, and the silly little hat falling off the back of the head… Plus, I think I’d look awesome in it 8-D However, there are frustratingly few examples in the artwork. Most of them are etchings. I know of only one portrait:
Portrait of Elizabeth Woodville
I’m calling this style the “English Burgundian” style ‘cause as far as I can tell it’s only seen in England, and its heyday coincides with the heyday of the continental “Burgundian” style of high-belted V-necked gowns with hennins. I know Robin Netherton’s been doing work on this style of gown - but I don’t think she’s published anything yet *wistful*. There is the very nice work of Mistress Isobel Mowbray (mka Georgina Tarrant) - “Fifteenth Century English Noblewoman’s Clothing, c. 1475 - 1485” and “An English “Butterfly Henin” of the Late Fifteenth Century”. I don’t necessarily agree with all her conclusions (namely back-lacing…) but the research is fascinating.
Left: 1479, Sir Thomas Playters and his wife, Sotterley, Suffolk
Right: 1475 Elizabeth Seyntmour, Beckington, Somerset, England
I love this style - the curvy gothic-fitted-dress with the V-ish neckline, the hip belt, and the silly little hat falling off the back of the head… Plus, I think I’d look awesome in it 8-D However, there are frustratingly few examples in the artwork. Most of them are etchings. I know of only one portrait:
Portrait of Elizabeth Woodville
I’m calling this style the “English Burgundian” style ‘cause as far as I can tell it’s only seen in England, and its heyday coincides with the heyday of the continental “Burgundian” style of high-belted V-necked gowns with hennins. I know Robin Netherton’s been doing work on this style of gown - but I don’t think she’s published anything yet *wistful*. There is the very nice work of Mistress Isobel Mowbray (mka Georgina Tarrant) - “Fifteenth Century English Noblewoman’s Clothing, c. 1475 - 1485” and “An English “Butterfly Henin” of the Late Fifteenth Century”. I don’t necessarily agree with all her conclusions (namely back-lacing…) but the research is fascinating.