OBJECTS Art Nouveau Fashion Evening gown, c. 1905 Mme Joséphine and Co., La Maitresse premičre de Paris, Avenue Victoire Bucarest, Robes, Manteaux et Confections Point lace, lacework, velvet ribbons, voile, silk taffeta; length of bodice 45–50 cm, length of skirt 115–130 cm According to tradition, this gown comes from the Rumanian royal Peles Chateau and is believed to have belonged to Queen Elisabeth (née Pauline Elisabeth Ottilie Luise, Princess of Wied, 1843–1916), wife of Carol I, King of Romania (1839–1914), an authoress and poetess, also known by her penname Carmen Sylva. The requirements for official etiquette and the Queen’s mature age certainly influenced this gown’s somewhat conservative style.