Jean Dieu de Saint-Jean, Habit Noir (evening wear), etching c. 1670. A print collected by Samuel Pepys showing a fashionable elite Frenchman proudly wearing lace cuffs and ribbons. Credit: Reproduced by permission of the Pepys Library, Magdalene College Cambridge
Delve into a treasure trove of French fashion engravings that shed light on Samuel Pepys’ enduring fascination with style long after his diary ended. These prints not only showcase the tailor’s son’s love for fashion but also reveal his inner struggle with French trends.
While Samuel Pepys is best known for his detailed diary entries from 1660–69, his later years remain shrouded in mystery. However, a recent study by University of Cambridge historian Marlo Avidon uncovers fresh insights from Pepys’ private collection of fashion prints at Magdalene College, Cambridge. This collection, acquired by the college in 2024, includes a vast array of 17th-century French fashion illustrations.
Marlo Avidon’s research, featured in The Seventeenth Century journal, unveils eight never-before-seen images from Pepys’ collection. One of these images ties back to a humorous incident in Pepys’ diary, showcasing his humorous encounters with fashion.
Explore the world of Samuel Pepys beyond his famous diary entries and discover the hidden stories behind his love for fashion and his internal battles with French style. Dive into history with these captivating insights into the life of a man who left a lasting mark on English literature and fashion.
2024-07-21 19:15:03
Link from phys.org