Illuminating Fashion

A comprehensive study of dress in Northern Europe from the early fourteenth century to the beginning of the Renaissance, this new book is the first thorough study of the history of fashion in this period based solely on firmly dated or datable works of art. It draws on illuminated manuscripts, early printed books, tapestries, paintings, and sculpture from museums and libraries around the world. Examining the role of social customs and politics in influencing dress, at a time of rapid change in fashion, this fully illustrated volume demonstrates the richness of symbolism in medieval art and how artists used clothing and costume to help viewers interpret an image. At the heart of the work is 'A Pictorial History of Fashion, 1325 to 1515', an album of over 300 illustrations with commentary. This is followed by a comprehensive glossary of medieval English and French clothing terms and an extensive list of dated and datable works of art Accompanies an Exhibition at The Morgan Library & Museum, New York 20 May- September 4, 2011