When researching my 1543 Tudor gown, I used 16th
century paintings as my style guides. Thankfully, there are a number
of portraits and drawings from the years I was interested in. These
four pictures had the most influence.
From left to right: Katherine Parr (or perhaps Lady Jane Grey, depending
on who you ask) - Princess Mary, by an unknown artist, 1544 - Princess
Elizabeth by William Scrots, 1546 - and another painting of Mary from a
larger family portrait, 1545. Click the images to see a larger view. They
may take awhile to load, as these these are fairly high quality (in the
interest of seeing detail).
During the 1540s, this style of gown was at the height of fashion. The
simple, elegant Tudor styles had a distinctive silhouette. It would soon
be replaced with what would later be known as the Elizabethan Era, with
extravagant ruffs, puffs, wheel farthingales and stiff corsetry. But in
the middle of the 16th century, The simple Tudor silhouette was still in
vogue.
Hans Holbein's drawing of Anne Cresacre shows the length of the veil
attached to the French hood.
Getting Started - Research
- Underwear - The
Gown - Accessories - 12th
Night
