Baptismal Dress
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1875-1880
MediumMachine-stitched and hand-stitched linen, with linen bobbin lace and mother of pearl buttons
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width across bottom): 36 1/2 x 35 1/2in. (92.7 x 90.2cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Howard B. Haylett
DescriptionInfant's dress of fine, white linen, with particularly elaborate decoration. The high, round neckline is edged with a self-fabric and bobbin lace ruffle under a binding, through which is inserted a drawstring. The bodice front and back are decorated with a wide square insert around the neckline, filled with vertical bands of ruched self-fabric alternating with strips of whitework embroidery. This square is edged with a self-fabric and bobbin lace ruffle. The long sleeves are made entirely of the alternating bands of ruched self-fabric and whitework. The wrists are edged with a double ruffle. Below the square bodice insert, the dress fabric is stitched in vertical pleats for 5 1/2 inches, beyond which the fullness is released. The skirt is decorated for a depth of fifteen inches with rows of tucking above a band of the ruching and whitework, edged with a deep flounce of tucking and finely embroidered scalloped whitework in a teardrop and floral design. Bobbin lace is stitched under the edge of scalloped whitework. The center back opening extends eleven inches and fastens with five mother of pearl buttons and the drawstring around the neckline.
Object number1955.17.1
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