I’ve just found this discussion, can I join in? I’m studying social history in Paris (I’m French). I cannot say much on dresses, but I can add something on 18 century children.
It’s true that the girl, aged 12 perhaps, definitely does not have the shape of 2014. I think the picture was painted in 1740, so a 12 year old would have been born around 1728. At this time in W Europe babies were tightly swaddled and then progressed to infant’s stays. At some age (6 or 7) boys were liberated and girls would wear stiffer stays to ensure the shape we see in the painting. In the 18 century parents believed they owned their children’s body and soul. With this ownership went the responsibility of preparing the child for adult life. Some doctors complained that midwives were moulding the skulls to newborn babies so that they had an aristocratic look. Serious changes to the skeleton would have been welcomed by caring parents!? Our shuttlecock girl was being prepared for marriage - note the scissors and pincushion hanging from her belt – all for preparing her marital home. Perhaps people experienced in costume wearing could comment...... personally I don’t see a girl playing with bat and shuttlecock in this dress, complete with pincushion. I’m sure over arm movements would have been impossible? Kate Bunting commented that you wear 17 century garb – can you achieve the same shape today as our shuttlecock girl? Marie -- _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
