ornamentedbeing: The first photo is what the Mantua looks like with a stomacher. Here is what was on

ornamentedbeing:The first photo is what the Mantua looks like with a stomacher. Here is what was on display today.And here is what the V&A says: “The shell, the quintessential Rococo motif, constitutes the basis of the embroidery pattern. Leafy scrolls, latticed arcades and tassels are also featured, as well a profusion of realistically rendered flowers, including jasmine, morning glory and honeysuckle, peonies, roses, poppies, anemones, auriculas, hyacinths, carnations, cornflowers, tulips and daffodils. The pattern of the silver shells and scrolls has been arranged symmetrically at the hem, but the layout of the flowers, while balanced, does not match exactly on either side. This ensemble recalls a garment worn by the Duchess of Queensbury in 1740: ‘her cloathes were embroidered upon white satin; Vine leaves, Convulvus and Rosebuds shaded after Nature …’.” -- source link

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