Images(2)

Polonaise

Dateabout 1881

MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched silk and cotton, with metal hooks and eyes, unidentified boning, and silk thread-covered ferrous metal buttons

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center back length x width across shoulders): 47 x 15in. (119.4 x 38.1cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of Phyllis Kihn

Object number1980.38.17

DescriptionWoman's polonaise of chocolate brown silk damask with a woven floral pattern. The polonaise has a high, round neckline with a 1 1/8-inch standing band collar. The center front opening, which extends from the neck to the hem, fastens with 31 buttons covered with worked silk thread of a matching color. The shoulderline is slightly dropped, and the plain, narrow sleeves are cut with an upper and lower seam like a coat sleeve. The polonaise is fitted with darts extending from below the hips to the bustline. The skirt is flat in front, and pleated up in the side seams to create a draped effect. The skirt fullness is folded into a layered box pleat at center back. The bodice area of the polonaise is lined with brown twill-woven cotton; the front darts are boned. There is a short strap extending from the foremost darts inside the bodice, which fastens with hooks and eyes at center front; this acts like a petersham to ease stress on the seams.

NotesObject Note: This polonaise was probably Marie L. Brown's "going away" outfit after she married Edwin Howell Butler of Meriden, Connecticut on 26 October 1870.

Status

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