El Polisón de la Reina: An Exhibition on Queen María Cristina and 19th-Century Spanish Fashion
Discover the evolution of the feminine silhouette, corsetry, and the 'polisón' in its rich historical context.
"El Polisón de la Reina" offers a deep dive into female attire during the second half of 19th-century Spain. This exhibition meticulously details the evolution of the feminine silhouette, emphasizing the crucial roles of the corset and 'polisón'. Discover the societal context, the burgeoning fashion industry, and technical innovations that shaped textiles and design, including a featured dress belonging to Queen María Cristina.
About El Polisón de la Reina at Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for El Polisón de la Reina at Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid
Exhibition summary
This exhibition delves into the fashion of Queen María Cristina and the societal context of late 19th-century Spain, focusing on the evolution of the silhouette, particularly the corset and the 'polisón'. It showcases the era's textiles, technical innovations in fashion, and details a specific dress worn by the Queen.
Curatorial context
The exhibition 'El Polisón de la Reina' offers a deep dive into the female attire of the second half of the 19th century in Spain, with a particular focus on Queen María Cristina and the socio-historical context of the Restoration period. It meticulously details the evolution of the feminine silhouette, emphasizing the crucial roles of the corset and the 'polisón' (or bustle) in shaping the era's fashion. The exhibition explores the societal expectations placed upon bourgeois women, their role as displays of their husbands' wealth, and how this influenced their dress. It also touches upon the burgeoning fashion industry, the rise of 'Haute Couture' with figures like Charles-Frederick Worth, and the impact of industrial advancements such as the Jacquard loom and the sewing machine on textile production and fashion design. The specific highlight is a three-piece dress belonging to Queen María Cristina, dating from 1883-1888, showcasing the 'second polisón' period. This ensemble, comprising a bodiced dress with a long-sleeved and a sleeveless option, exemplifies the opulent fabrics like damask, satin, and velvet, combined with intricate Valenciennes lace, reflecting the Queen's reputation for discreet elegance. The technical innovations in textiles and dyes that characterized the era are also discussed, providing a comprehensive look at the material culture of the time.
Admission and ticket notes
As part of the 'Modelo del Mes' series, this exhibition features free and open attendance on Sundays in April at 12:30 PM, with a duration of 30 minutes. A booklet with the conference content will be provided free of charge to attendees. Assistance is free.
El Polisón de la Reina key exhibition facts
Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for El Polisón de la Reina at Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas in Madrid
Venue
Museo Nacional de Artes Decorativas
Current status
Open now
Exhibition schedule
From Apr 1, 2007
Artist line / attribution
Featuring the fashion of Queen María Cristina, with specific mention of her dress from 1883-1888. The exhibition also references historical designers and figures such as Charles-Frederick Worth, and artists like Antonio Caba y Casamitiana.
Madrid
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