Bag

Art Historical Context

In the last quarter of the 17th century, French artisans created this elegant copper bag, now preserved in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Crafted the opulent reign of Louis XIV, the piece reflects a time when fashion accessories often blended practicality with artistic expression. Copper, prized for its durability and ability to take on fine detailing, offered a distinctive alternative to more common materials like fabric or leather, suggesting a specialized or high-status item in women’s wardrobes. As part of the Costume Institute’s collection, this bag illuminates the b...