During Advent and Christmas, we pay particular attention to the depictions of the Madonna and Baby Jesus. In most of them, the Infant is naked. The National Museum in Krakow boasts a fine collection of baby garments. So why don't we imagine that the Child is dressed?
Text by: Joanna Regina Kowalska – historian and art historian, specializes in the history of 19th and 20th-century fashion.
Knitted baby bonnet The decoration technique using glass beads, and a pattern of blue flowers are characteristic of the Biedermeier period. Poland, c. 1825, donated by Edward Goldstein, 1909.
Dress for a baby carried in one's arms, made of cambric and decorated with English embroidery Dresses covering the feet were considered very practical up until World War II. Poland, c. 1860
Umbilical stump band This traditionally produced linen band was used to wrap the umbilical stump. It was the last relic of swaddling wraps – long pieces of cloth which in the early 19th century were still used to tightly wrap babies along with their arms. Tarnów, early 1920s. Donated by Anna Pawłowska
Crocheted shirt and bonnet made of filoselle with ribbon tassels Pink – as a variety of red – was once considered suitable for boys. Poland, early 20th century.
Bonnet decorated with metal lace, golden and silver galloons and glass beads Headgear was the most important part of children's clothing. Poland, c. 1800. Donated by Gustaw Steingraber, 1908.
