c. 1876-1888
Racinet's Encyclopedic Costume History
Surveying millennia of the hottest fashions
Civil costumes of the French nobility, 1364-1461.
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First published in six volumes between 1876 and 1888, Auguste Racinet’s Le Costume Historique was an unprecedented attempt to illustrate the entire history of human dress.
Spanning the armor of ancient Roman warriors, the garb of Pacific Islanders and the gowns of French nobility, Racinet’s nearly 500 plates captured clothes, costumes and accessories in fastidious and loving detail.
Roman armament.
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Tribal garb of Oceania.
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Headdresses and hairstyles of Oceania.
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Tribal garb of Oceania.
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Weapons and armor of Oceania.
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Clothing of Mexico.
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Women's clothing of China.
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European armor of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
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European noblewomen of the 16th century.
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Artisans, soldiers and noblewomen of 16th century Europe.
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French bourgeoisie of the sixteenth century.
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Feminine fashions of the European aristocracy, 16th century.
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Assorted portraits of 16th century Europeans.
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Assortment of medieval armor, c. 1350-1460.
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15th century French costumes.
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