Baptismal Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by the
Beach family
American
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1870s
MediumMachine-stitched cotton
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center back length x width across shoulders): 40 x 10in. (101.6 x 25.4cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Leavitt Bartholomew
DescriptionInfant's christening gown of white cotton, with a high, round neckline trimmed with a scalloped whitework-embroidered edging stitched under a binding, through which a drawstring is inserted. The front panel of the dress, extending from the neck to the hem, is made up of alternating horizontal bands of tucks and pulled threadwork. This panel is trimmed with whitework edging matching that used at the neck. Self-fabric ties, 44 1/2-inches-long, are stitched at the waistline at each side of the front panel. The long sleeves are cut with an upper and lower seam; the wrist openings are edged with scalloped whitework. The skirt is gathered into the bottom of the bodice. The bottom of the skirt is trimmed with a two-inch-deep scalloped whitework edging. The back of the bodice is plain. The center back opening extends seventeen inches and fastens with the drawstring at the neckline. The sets of opposing buttonholes (left side worked vertically, right side worked horizontally) shows that studs originally were used also.
Object number1999.158.1
Subject Terms
On View
Not on view
