Ever heard of the story of the woman who bathed in the blood of a hundred virgins to retain eternal youth?
Elizabet Bathory - also known as The Blood Countess, was a Hungarian aristocrat who lived in the early/mid seventeenth century. She was a great beauty, and powerful ruler, but also highly controversial. You'll get more of her story after I finish her page, because you guessed it - I am making a doll of her. The costumes of 17th century Europe were slightly less ostentatious than the century that was to come, but I'm going to have fun contrasting the sumptuous embroideries and fabrics with the austerity of Eastern Europe. Read more about the Countess' reign of terror here.
And below are a few more pictures of the gorgeous clothes of the times. I usually go to the Manhattan Library's picture archives for costume references, finding decent images online of historical dress is sometimes a lot easier said than done.
I love childrens clothes from back in the day!
Black & Gold!
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