Dress
DressmakerMade by
Unknown
Date1800-1802
MediumHand-stitched watered sarsnet (a lightweight silk, plain-woven), with silver braid and silver thread buttons, the threads wrapped over a wooden core
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width): 47 1/2 x 14in. (120.7 x 35.6cm)
Hem (circumference): 90in. (228.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1986.22.1
DescriptionWoman's tunic-style day dress of pink watered silk, trimmed down the center front opening with narrow silver braid and 17 (original number) high-domed buttons of silver threads wrapped over wooden cores. This opening is false at the hem, and extends 23 inches; it is open and the buttons are functional above this point. The dress is lined with light-weight, plain-woven, pale pink silk (called "persian" in the period). The bodice of the tunic has a V-shaped back, the arms of the V extending into shoulder straps, which were originally stitched to the outer corners of the bodice front. The fit of the front is created by two 4 1/2-inch darts. The waist is high; the CF length of the bodice is 7 5/8 inches. The skirt is knife-pleated into the waist in the front and around the sides; it is cartridge-pleated at center back. Originally, the hem was decorated with a band of net-type lace, as there is a very small remnant of it left at the center back of the skirt; there is also evidence of a sewing line 3 1/2 inches above the hem.
The dress came from a house in Greenwich, Connecticut. It belonged to a family related to the American Impressionist painter Julian Alden Weir.
The dress came from a house in Greenwich, Connecticut. It belonged to a family related to the American Impressionist painter Julian Alden Weir.
Status
Not on view
Object/Object
