Collection of 146 plates of Costume

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Metropolitan Museum of's Drawings and Prints department, where find this exquisite *Collection of 146 plates Costume* (1683–95), a bound volume of etchings and engravings by a stellar lineup of French masters: Jean Le Pautre, Jean Berain, Valck, Antoine Trou, Jean Mariette, Jean Dieu de Saint-Jean Measuring a compact 14 9/16 x 10 1/16 x 1 9/16 inches, treasure from The Elisha Whittelsey Collection the opulent world of late 17th-century European fashion. Created during Louis XIV's reign, the Sun King's era of grandeur at Versailles, these plates showcase intricate costume designs that defined courtly elegance—from flowing robes and elaborate headdresses to military uniforms. Etching and engraving techniques allowed for precise, reproducible details of lace, embroidery, and silhouettes, making this an essential reference for tailors, collectors, and admirers across Europe. Jean Berain, in particular, brought his signature ornamental flair, influencing Baroque decorative arts. This collaborative anthology highlights the era's print culture boom, where fashion prints served as both art and instruction manual. Leaf through its 146 plates to step into a time when attire was power, preserved beautifully for us today through the Whittelsey Fund's generosity.