Overview: This exhibition featured a selection of 21 volumes from the rare book collection that describe costume and dress from the 16th century through the 18th century. It focused particularly on the outfits of various religious orders, but those of social organizations, military uniforms, and the dress of the aristocracy were also included. Costumes designed for various festivals and public events completed the survey and showed how costume evolved from the Renaissance through the Enlightenment.

Organization: The exhibition was organized by the National Gallery of Art. Lamia Doumato, head of library reader services, was curator.