Images(3)

Dress

Original OwnerPossibly originally owned by Lucy Mather Lee (American, 1785 - 1837)

Clothing MakerMade by Unknown

Dateabout 1822-1823

MediumHand-stitched cotton, with metal hook and eye

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (front length x width across back): 48 x 12in. (121.9 x 30.5cm) Hem (circumference): 95in. (241.3cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Seth P. Holcombe and Mrs. Gilbert A. Wicke

Object number1981.26.11

DescriptionWoman's day dress of white cotton muslin, with tamboured spots. The waistline is high, measuring 3 3/4 inches at the side under the armscye. The neckline is a wide square. The bodice is decorated with whitework embroidery in one band on each side, running from the front waistline, over the shoulders and around the neckline in back. In front, the area between these two bands is filled with two horizontal bands of the same embroidery, alternating with strips of the dress fabric. These decorative bands, the armscye, shoulder seams, and side back seams are all piped. The long sleeves are gathered at the top and back of the shoulder. They end in a 2 1/2-inch wide frill, gathered into a band of whitework embroidery. The dress opens in the center back; there is a thread button at the top, and a (later) hook and eye just below. A drawstring at the waistline adjusts the fit and ties the dress closed. The side panels of the bodice are lined with plain-woven white cotton. A cotton tape is stitched around the waistline as reinforcement.

The skirt is gored on the sides. It is flat in front and gathered for 8 1/2 inches across the center back. The bottom edge of the skirt is lined with plain-woven white cotton for a depth of about 4 1/4 inches. The bottom of the skirt is finished with an edging of whitework embroidery.

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