French Opera Costume Tunic Hand Painted Embellished Mercutio Romeo Juliet

French opera costume made for the character of Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. This tunic has many techniques including hand painted metallic fabric paint which is raised and textured. Appliqué gold and metallic red tone sections. Gold metal ribbon trim down the centre which is embellished with plastic golden and pearl beads.its wraps and ties from the sides. 

Such an interesting and inspiring piece. Fabric is synthetic.

I’m unsure when this was made but estimating it to be 1980s -90s. Possibly more recent. The handwritten label shows it’s from Avignon.

Character background: One of Romeo's closest friends, Mercutio entreats Romeo to forget about his unrequited love for a girl named Rosalind and come with him to a masquerade ball at Lord Capulet's estate, through use of his Queen Mab speech. There, Mercutio and his friends become the life of the party, but Romeo is drawn to Capulet's daughter, Juliet. He finds himself in love, and immediately forgets about Rosaline.

Fits across a few sizes. Measurements are a guide as this is not fitted and can be tied to fit different sizes. 

Measures: 24 1/2” underarm to underarm seam, 16” across the shoulders, 30” long from shoulder to front hem.

Condition: overall very good. Areas of the painted metallic fabric paint is damaged in areas with it lifting off in areas or missing. Some missing beads. 

Please inspect the photos and ask any questions you have.