Portrait miniatures

Christian Vachon, Director, Collections Management and Curator, Documentary Art, talks about something very small, an understated accessory worn at the 1898 Montreal historical fancy dress ball: portrait miniatures. In the 18th century, portrait miniatures grew in popularity as an affordable way to procure a likeness of someone you cared for or admired. Most importantly, they enabled people to wear an image of a loved one close to the heart.

Costume Balls: Dressing Up History, 1870-1927

A century and a half ago, extravagant costume balls and skating carnivals were the pinnacle of society entertainments, bringing forth a kaleidoscopic array of fanciful costumed characters and providing a unique opportunity to reinvent oneself as a historical figure. But, beneath all the anachronistic exuberance, these balls reinforced core myths of colonial destiny and imperial futures.

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Step into the world of the exhibition!

Creating the exhibition Costume Balls: Dressing Up History, 1870-1927 is the result of a monumental effort. Meet the Museum’s teams of experts and learn more about their work and their discoveries through blog articles, video interviews, behind-the-scenes photos, and much more!

Step into the world of the exhibition