Reticule
Textile MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1824-1830
MediumHand-stitched silk and cotton, with wool, cotton velveteen, emery, and silk
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width of bag, excluding bows): 6 3/4 x 5in. (17.1 x 12.7cm)
Other (height including bows): 7in. (17.8cm)
Other (width including bows): 5 5/8in. (14.3cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
Object number1950.89.0
DescriptionDrawstring bag constructed of printed silk ribbons; the front-central ecru satin ribbon is printed with a portrait of George Washington within an oval. Above his portrait is printed, "PROPATRIA" and below is, "WASHINGTON / BENEVOLENT / SOCIETY." Flanking this ribbon are two identical pale aqua ribbons with picot edges, printed with a scene of agricultural implements (bee skep, scythe, rake, etc...) in a landscape with a man plowing. This scene is set within an oval medallion. At the top are ribbons printed with "HARTFORD COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY." Below is a garland with an olive branch and an oak branch with acorns, tied together with a bow. On the reverse, an ecru silk ribbon is printed with a decorative oval surrounding "Nous / vous aimons / LA FAYETTE" ["We love you La Fayette"] (Revolutionary War hero General Lafayette made a return visit to America in 1824, and many such commemorative items were created to celebrate his tour). Flanking this ribbon are two identical pale aqua ribbons with picot edges, printed with a circular medallion of a plow in a landscape with a rising sun. At the top is printed "HART. CONN. AGRIC. SOC." Below is "1817." The bag is decorated with silk bows in a matching color at each bottom corner. The bag is lined with lightweight white cotton with a small woven pink grid. Mounted on a fine cotton cord is a red wool strawberry emery with yellow "seeds" made with stitches of silk, and a green velveteen leafy top. The bag closes with a black cord drawstring.
Label TextAs women's gowns became more slim-fitting in the early 19th century, the use of pockets became impractical. In order to fulfill the need to carry items, reticules (small handbags) became very popular. Some women preferred plain reticules, while others opted for elaborate decorations. Most reticules closed with a drawstring, offering both a secure closure and a built-in handle for easy carrying. By the 1840s, skirts had become full once more and sewn-in pockets became a feature in many dresses. At this time reticules became simply an accessory, rather than a necessity.
Status
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