Dress
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1750-1760 and later
MediumHand-stitched silk and linen
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width ): 58 1/2 x 15in. (148.6 x 38.1cm)
Hem (circumference): 112in. (284.5cm)
Hem (circumference): 112in. (284.5cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
DescriptionWoman's dress, possibly for evening wear, of golden yellow silk damask. The dress is open down the length of the center front. The neckline is square and is decorated with a scalloped edging of self-fabric. The sleeves are tight and elbow length, decorated at the opening with a scallop-edged flounce which is wider at the back of the elbow (six inches) than in front (2 3/4.) (Originally, the sleeves were wider and longer, but they were altered around the 1770s to their present appearance.) The waist is straight in the front and pointed at the center back. The front bodice panels are smooth, and the back is fitted with three seams. (Originally, the front of the bodice was dipped, but it was turned up so the waistline would be straight later in the eighteenth century. Also, the center back of the bodice originally continued down the length of the skirt in the "en ferreau" style, but it was altered to a point.) There are no side seams. The skirt is knife-pleated with half-inch pleats and stitched to the lower edge of the bodice. (Originally, the skirt was probably made to be open in front to show a decorative petticoat. Other alterations include the center front opening of the bodice, which was originally turned under about half an inch on each side, and the ruffle around the neckline, which was originally pleated and thus much fuller. Also, the hem had been turned up, but this was taken out at the time of cataloguing.)
The bodice and sleeves are lined with plain-woven linen. The hem edge is lined with a 3 3/4-inch width of the linen. The selvage of the damask is woven with a narrow stripe of red, white, red. The fabric is about 29 1/2 inches wide.
The bodice and sleeves are lined with plain-woven linen. The hem edge is lined with a 3 3/4-inch width of the linen. The selvage of the damask is woven with a narrow stripe of red, white, red. The fabric is about 29 1/2 inches wide.
Object number1986.223.0
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