Dress
DressmakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1785
MediumHand-stitched block-printed cotton with plain-woven linen lining in bodice
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width across shoulders): 52 1/2 x 15in. (133.4 x 38.1cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineMuseum purchase
DescriptionRound gown of cotton printed with a Chinoiserie-influenced pattern of gnarled trunk-like designs with red and blue flowers on a white background. The bodice front has a broadly rounded point at the center waistline. The center front opening would have originally pinned, but now has brass hooks and eyes. Narrow, elbow-length sleeves are cut with a curve near the opening. The back of the bodice is cut one with the skirt ("en fourreau"). The stitched-down pleats between the shoulder blades curve slightly to the lower center back, where they are released to create fullness at the center back of the skirt. The skirt front has an apron opening; the side seams are open at the top to below hip-height, creating a panel which then ties around the waist. The fabric is pieced along the top of this panel. Currently, the panel is roughly pleated to itself; old stitch marks indicate that originally it was pleated more carefully onto a narrow band. The hem is lined for 2 1/2 inches with a different printed cotton fabric.
Object number1956.45.65
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