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Dress

Original OwnerPossibly originally owned by Emma Tinney Latimer American, born 1866
Clothing MakerMade by Unknown
Dateabout 1882
MediumMachine-stitched cotton, with cotton needlerun lace, and mother of pearl buttons
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (polonaise center back lenght x width across shoulders): 43 1/4 x 13 1/8in. (109.9 x 33.3cm)
Component (polonaise center front length): 38in. (96.5cm)
Skirt (center front length): 36 5/8in. (93cm)
Skirt (center back length x circumference): 38 3/8 x 87in. (97.5 x 221cm)
Other (waist circumference): 26 1/4in. (66.7cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Juliet Alcott Gardiner
DescriptionWoman's day dress, consisting of a polonaise, or overdress (.a) and skirt (.b) of cream-colored cotton sateen printed with sprays of pink flowers. The polonaise fastens up the center front with seventeen mother of pearl buttons. The neckline is high and round, with a one-inch band collar. The narrow coat sleeves are slightly gathered into the top of the armscye, which is at normal shoulder height; the wrist openings are flounced with needlerun net lace. The skirt of the polonaise is draped up on the sides and center back. The darts of the polonaise are released into the front of the polonaise skirt, creating pleats. The edges of the front of the polonaise skirt are edged with needlerun lace. The polonaise is not lined; the maker's pencil marks are visible along the seam lines.

The pink floral print fabric is pleated across the front of the skirt (.b), beginning 2 1/2 inches below the waistband. The rest of the skirt is plain, cream-colored cotton sateen. It is decorated with a seven-inch flounce, topped with five narrow tucks. The flounce is also decorated with four narrow tucks around the bottom. There is an in-seam pocket on the proper right side. The skirt is flat in front and gathered across the center back. The waistband is two inches wide and closes at center back with a single mother of pearl button.
Object number1982.35.0a,b
Subject Terms
    On View
    Not on view
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