‘Some Useful Hints for Improving the Elegance and Dignity of her Attire’: Thomas Hope and Henry Moses, Greek Vases and Neoclassical Fashion

Abstract Author, artist, designer and collector Thomas Hope (1769–1831) published his influential Costume of the Ancients in 1809 an enlarged version 1812. This article identifies archaeological sources for figures plates seeks to explain why altered by adding patterns from Greek vases. The process vase is traced preliminary drawings at Gennadius Library Athens, through a second album final Henry Moses, principal engraver Ancients, Moses’s Ancients. argument provides evidence that Hope’s choices added were made with eye how they could serve improve contemporary Neoclassical dress. That this was intention stated edition where he expressed desire ‘present fair model some useful hints improving elegance dignity her attire’. Signed etchings Sketches Outline (1808), untitled pamphlet 1808–1809, Designs Modern (1812) provided examples ideal dress style. accomplished incorporating along its drapery types adapted conform forms. Unsigned fashion Lady’s Magazine 1807 exhibit these same types, may have been designed Moses.