Image Not Available

Bonnet

Original OwnerPossibly originally owned by Mrs. Catharine Pettibone Root American

MillinerPossibly made by Mrs. Catharine Pettibone Root American

Dateabout 1845-1855

MediumHand-stitched and embroidered silk and buckram, with wire

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 11 x 10 x 8in. (27.9 x 25.4 x 20.3cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Jennie Pettibone

DescriptionWoman's bonnet of grey silk with embroidered, graduated-size dots of orange silk floss. The flared brim is 3 1/2 inches wide at the center top; it is edged with a 3/4-inch strip of light brown velvet. The inside of the brim is lined with a complex weave silk fabric covered with net. The edge of the brim is stiffened with wire. The crown, 4 1/2 inches deep, has three rows of gathered gray silk, the last being edged by a wire. Behind the gathered rows are three overlapping folds. The back of the crown is decorated with three circles of consecutively smaller embroidered orange dots. The curtain is also embroidered this way, with an edging of velvet along the bottom. The curtain is lined with a brown net. The crown is supported by layers of stiffened fabrics, and lined with a loosely woven cotton. The tie for this bonnet is a 3/8-inch-wide green silk moire ribbon, tied in a knot at the center top of the brim, then looped up inside of the lower brim at each side, terminating in bows.

Object number1911.6.2

NotesHistorical Note: Mrs. Catharine Pettibone Root ran a millinery and dress making shop on Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut, in about 1835 or 1840.

Subject Terms

On View

Not on view