Woman's Evening Dress

Currently not on view

Woman's Evening Dress

c. 1817

Artist/maker unknown, French

This evening dress has a high Neoclassical waistline, but the purity of the line is disrupted by Romantic elements. The sleeves are puffier, and the hemline is shorter and wider, its circumference emphasized by extravagant horizontal trimming of twisted cords and three-dimensional embroidered oak leaves, pomegranates, and floral motifs. The dress's sheer gauze is bedecked with glittering floral-shaped spangles, while peach satin accents show the bright colors and shiny silks that were becoming increasingly popular.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Woman's Evening Dress

Date:

c. 1817

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, French

Medium:

Off-white silk and wool gauze with pale pink silk satin, iron floral pailettes, silk embroidery, silk-wrapped paper, cording of silk around metal core, and glass beads

Dimensions:

Center Back Length: 49 inches (124.5 cm) Waist: 28 inches (71.1 cm)

Classification:

Costume (including accessories)

Credit Line:

Gift of Mrs. Albert Nalle, 1958

Accession Number:

1958-74-1

Geography:

Made in France, Europe

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Currently not on view