Four Costume Design Sketches of a Woman, a Basket, a Collar, and a Sleeve 1785 - 1790

This anonymous sheet of costume design sketches from 1785-1790, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, shows an array of fashion accessories common in the late 18th century. The sheet includes a profile sketch of a woman in a headdress, a basket likely for carrying flowers, a frilled collar, and a sleeve with a bow. The delicate lines and pale washes of watercolor capture the elegance of this era's fashion. The sketches are likely the work of a fashion designer, providing us a glimpse into the creative process of designing clothing and accessories during the late 18th century.