A virago sleeve is a full, paned sleeve, used in the early seventeenth century in western Europe. It was made from a series of cloth strips, which were gathered into two puffs by a ribbon or cloth band just above the elbow. The main sleeve strips were often embroidered. This type of sleeve was fashionable for women’s clothing in the 1620's and '30's. GVE
Virago Sleeve
Portrait of Marie-Louise de Tassis by Anthony van Dyck, c. 1630. The woman is showing her virago sleeves.
Copyright The Princely Collections, Liechtenstein.
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Daily and general garments and textiles