Following the rediscovery of Antoine Bourdelle's clothing in 2020, the Bourdelle Museum is launching a new exhibition titled L'étoffe de l'artiste (The Fabric of the Artist). The exhibition explores how artists from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries used clothing as a form of self-expression, examining the ways in which their attire reflected their identities, creative processes, and personal styles. The display includes clothing worn by both well-known and lesser-known artists, such as Gustav Klimt, Rosa Bonheur, Foujita, Sonia Delaunay, and Camille Bernier, alongside their artworks, including paintings, sculptures, graphic pieces, and photographs. At the end of the 19th century, many artists wore typical city clothing, but some distinguished themselves with more elegant outfits, while others opted for practical attire like shirts, overalls, or jumpsuits, symbolizing a new image of the artist at work. As the century turned, clothing became a way to express individuality, with artists using their wardrobes to make political statements, reflect their creative processes, or explore themes of identity, gender fluidity, and cross-dressing. This period saw a rise in diverse styles that challenged traditional norms and highlighted the artist’s role as both a creator and a performer of their own image. L'étoffe de l'artiste takes a fresh approach by combining art history, sociology, and the history of fashion to examine the relationship between artists and their clothing. For the first time, more than 50 textile items, accessories, and objects worn by artists have been gathered through extensive research in public and private collections. These rare pieces are displayed alongside 50 photographs, 33 paintings, 12 drawings, and 9 sculptures, arranged in a chronological and thematic journey. This contrast highlights the distinctive styles, silhouettes, and staging choices that helped identify these artists. The exhibition pays special attention to the diversity of the artists featured, with nearly a quarter of the works focusing on female artists. By presenting both well-known and lesser-known figures, L'étoffe de l'artiste aims to provide a broader and more inclusive understanding of how clothing has shaped and reflected the artistic identity across different periods and movements.