Tracing of a young woman in French medieval dress

Millais traced from Camille Bonnard’s book 'Costume Historique' (1829–30) as source material for his paintings. Books such as these were important resources for his depictions of medieval scenes.

An inscription by Millais’s daughter suggests that these tracings might, in fact, have been made by the artist’s father. Millais’s friends and family often helped him to research costumes.

Given by Mary, Lady Millais in 1945.