An exhibition that reveals how clothing helped shape the image and identity of artists from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century
From September 23, 2026, to January 24, 2027, the Bourdelle Museum is presenting an original exhibition exploring how artists have used clothing to shape their identity and public image. Titled *The Fabric of the Artist*. From Rosa Bonheur to Sonia Delaunay, the exhibition explores the evolution of artists’ dress codes from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century.
Through authentic garments, paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs, the exhibition demonstrates how clothing becomes a true means of artistic expression. Studio smocks, work clothes, ceremonial attire, and avant-garde creations reveal as much about the personalities of these artists as they do about the aesthetic trends of their time. Figures such as Rosa Bonheur, Gustav Klimt, Foujita, Sonia Delaunay, Camille Bernier, and Antoine Bourdelle illustrate this exploration of self-presentation.
By exploring the connections between fashion, creativity, and identity, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on these artists, revealing how their clothing choices contribute as much to their creative process as to their legacy.
