Lecture 5 - Fashion Between the French Revolution to the Bourbon Restoration Flashcards
(75 cards)
What was the Enlightenment?
A cultural, intellectual, and philosophical movement that developed in the 18th century, rooted in 17th-century Europe.
When did the Enlightenment begin and end?
It traditionally began with the death of Louis XIV of France and ended with the French Revolution or the death of Immanuel Kant.
What did the study of corpses reveal about fashion?
Doctors identified the deformations caused by corsets through the study of corpses.
What historical movement preceded the Enlightenment?
The Scientific Revolution, which transformed society’s views on physics, chemistry, astronomy, and biology.
What were the key ideals of the Enlightenment?
Natural rights
Liberty
Progress
Toleration
Fraternity
Empiricism (knowledge based on reason and evidence of the senses)
How was the Enlightenment defined in a broad sense?
Any rationalist form of thought that seeks to illuminate the mind and dispel ignorance and superstition through criticism, reason, and science.
How did science influence the Enlightenment?
Many Enlightenment thinkers had scientific backgrounds and studied man with an empirical and inductive approach, including anatomy and physiology.
How did medical studies impact fashion?
Through the study of corpses, doctors identified deformations caused by corsets, leading to the belief that clothing must respect human morphology and anatomy.
Why were tight clothes viewed negatively?
Tight clothes were seen as diminishing energy and strength.
How were skirts mocked in fashion writings?
Skirts were compared to church bells.
How were bodices criticized?
Bodices were said to squeeze breasts like oranges.
How were women’s bodies described in fashion critiques?
Women’s bodies were described as being “as fixed as sphinxes”.
How did the concept of beauty change?
Beauty was no longer linked to artifice and fixity—clothing needed to be functional to be considered beautiful.
How did English fashion influence France?
The “Made in England” style combined technical progress with an appreciation for the countryside and the outdoors.
What was prioritized in English fashion?
Comfort and simplicity were key principles.
Did English influence change clothing shapes?
No radical change in shape, but softer silhouettes emerged.
How did corsets evolve?
The corset persisted but became softer, often made from canvas without whalebones.
What materials became popular in fashion?
Muslin, gauze, linen, and percale became widely used.
How did the dressing gown change in use?
It transitioned from being worn only during toilette to being worn at intimate private meetings.
What did the deshabillé symbolize?
It was an aristocratic imitation of nature, but also challenged monarchy and power.
What was the French Revolution?
A radical period of change (1789–1799), starting with the Estates General and ending with the French Consulate.
What were the causes of the French Revolution?
A mix of social, economic, and political factors, poorly managed by King Louis XVI.
What event marked the Revolution’s turning point?
The Storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789.
What radical measures did the Assembly implement?
Abolition of feudalism
State control over the Catholic Church
Extension of voting rights