Designed by Claude-Louis Desrais (French, Paris 1746–1816), engraved by Nicholas Dupin
The death of Empress Maria Theresa on November 29, 1780, was followed by six months of court mourning. Working within the confines of mourning etiquette, dressmakers created black and white clothes with fashionable cuts and luxurious trimmings for the half-mourning stage in the cold months, such as this lévite-style coat decked out in ermine fur.
From: Ruffles & Ribbons: Fashion Plates from the Time of Marie Antoinette. © 2026 The Frick Collection.