This painting of Elizabeth Foster by Angelica Kauffman in 1785, shows an example of the typical fashion in the late 18th century. Elizabeth Foster, also known as(as or by?) ‘Bess’ was a daughter of Frederick Hervey, the fourth Earl of Bistol. She married twice, first time she was married to John Thomas Foster who was an Irish politician and led a privileged life, but the marriage lasted for only five years. Her second marriage was with William Cavendish, the 5th Duke of Devonshire, after the death of the Duchess, Georgiana Cavendish in 1806. The portrait of Elizabeth Foster shows her wearing a chemise à la reine or a chemise dress with an intricate detailing sash under a wide brimmed hat with possibly ostrich feathers. Chemise dresses...
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