Sketches of Bodices with Bows and a Bouffant Skirt 1785 - 1790

This anonymous 18th-century drawing from the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a collection of fashion sketches, likely created as design notes for garments. The drawing depicts various details of fashionable clothing, such as bodices with bows and a bouffant skirt, all drawn in a loose and gestural style. This style of drawing was common for fashion designers in the late 18th century, as it allowed them to quickly capture the essence of a design without needing to create a finished drawing. The anonymity of the artist adds to the historical intrigue of this piece.