This book is a catalog of an exhibition presently being held at the Morgan Library. Its subtitle is "Dress in the Art of Medieval France and the Netherlands, 1325-1515". The text was mainly written by Anne van Buren (1927-2008), an expert in the visual culture of the late medieval Burgundian Netherlands as well as fashion of the time. Sadly she died before the completion of this magnificent publication.
After the introductory chapter describing dress in late medieval art, the bulk of the catalog presents a pictorial history of fashion, 1325-1515. The illustrations are mainly of illuminated manuscripts of the period as well as a few paintings, drawings and sculptures. It is to be noted that the illuminations are of exceptional quality, preservation and interest. These give impressions of changing fashions over time. It is instructive to observe the different types of dress worn by different strata of society.
Language enthusiasts will delighted to encounter exotic words such as aketon (jacket), aventail (part of helmet), chaperon or howve (hoods), houpeland (outer garment), mahewter (shoulder pad)and vambrace (a defence plate). An extensive glossary describes these terms. It is to be noted that this book can be enjoyed by enthusiasts of illuminated manuscripts and art of this era even if (like myself)you have no particular interest in the dress fashion of this era.
This quality and clarity of the color illustrations in this substantial volume is exceptional. Additionally the text is lucidly written by an authority on the subject. Very highly recommended.
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