Shakespeare wrote “The apparel oft proclaims the man,” recognizing the powerful signals that an individual’s appearance sends about how they perceive themselves and how they want to be perceived. Historically, there have been many attempts to constrain those messages, particularly for women. Women’s clothing, hair, and makeup have long been policed–usually by men–with certain styles condemned as decadent, indecent, unhealthy, or even ungodly. This exhibition brings together some of the fiery polemics, scathing satires, and scolding lectures to which women have been subjected regarding their appearance.
Co-curated by John Overholt, Curator of the Donald and Mary Hyde Collection of Dr. Samuel Johnson and Early Books and Manuscripts, and Christine Jacobson, Associate Curator of Modern Books and Manuscripts.