Jacques-Louis
David was the de facto chronicler of the French Revolution and Napoleonic
Empire periods.
This 1795 David
portrait of Mme. Seriziat shows her wearing a huge hat over a ruffled lace head
cover - almost a bonnet. This also shows the decollete scoop neckline so
prominent at the time with either a criss-crossed chemise or a fichu to fill in
the opening. It is a wonderful illustration of Revolutionary style.
Keywords: 1795, David, French, long
curly coiffure, hat, jeweled hat ornament, lining, lace, fichu, vee neckline,
long tight sleeves, buttons, waist band, natural wasitline, close skirt