July, 2004:
Looking at the Portrait of the Unknown Lady, by Vincenzo Catena (right), it appears that she is probably an upper middle class (Merchant's daughter?) or lower noble class. Why? Check out the outfit. There is no sign of pearls, goldwork? (hard to see) or agelets - all things that could be found on Renaissance garb and camicias and things that were often prohibited in lower ranks by local sumptuary laws. Even the hair filet is restrained. Remember this is the time of conspicuous comsumption. But wait, there are signs of wealth there - ribbons on the sleeves and upper bodies of the dress, coloured braid on the neckline and upper body of the camicia, tufts or ribbons on the sleeves and cuffs. This is definately not a plain camicia but is certainly within many sumptuary requirements. Where did I start? |
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Materials: Cotton was being used for some forms of clothing, in the 15th and 16th centuries Italy. Documentation can be found in Materials of 16th Century Florence. |
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The camicia was made up to my modified pattern. The only
change was that I moved the sleeves further down the body of
the camicia. This made the back higher than the front. |
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Sleeves: there appears to be tufts or ribbons that catch
the material in a line down the sleeve. (Original portrait
on the left). It also appears that the sleeve is folded over
itself (tucks) at this point. |
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