Woman's Evening Dress: Bodice and Skirt
Artist/maker unknown, French
Geography:
Made in France, Europe
Date:
c. 1850-1855Medium:
Jacquard-woven silk moiré taffetaDimensions:
Bodice Center Back Length: 12 inches (30.5 cm) Skirt Center Back Length: 51 inches (129.5 cm)Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
1926-58-1Credit Line:
Gift of Alice McFadden Eyre, 1926
Made in France, Europe
Date:
c. 1850-1855Medium:
Jacquard-woven silk moiré taffetaDimensions:
Bodice Center Back Length: 12 inches (30.5 cm) Skirt Center Back Length: 51 inches (129.5 cm)Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1926-58-1Credit Line:
Gift of Alice McFadden Eyre, 1926
Label:
During the 1850s in France, there was renewed interest in eighteenth-century literature, art, and architecture and nostalgia for the lost world of Louis XV and his mistress Madame de Pompadour, who symbolized gracious living for the aristocracy and newly rich bourgeoisie. The resurgence of interest in rococo artists included reissues in England and France of engravings after the ornamental designs and paintings of Jean-Antoine Watteau (French, 1684-1721). For the fabric of this ball gown, two images by Jacques-Philippe Le Bas after Watteau have been combined. It is likely that the fabric was originally meant to have been used for furnishings, probably for a bedroom or boudoir (dressing room or private sitting room). The silk's swing design would have been considered provocative for the time since it had long been associated with seduction. The gown was possibly worn originally by a member of the demimonde such as an actress-or by a naive young woman.
During the 1850s in France, there was renewed interest in eighteenth-century literature, art, and architecture and nostalgia for the lost world of Louis XV and his mistress Madame de Pompadour, who symbolized gracious living for the aristocracy and newly rich bourgeoisie. The resurgence of interest in rococo artists included reissues in England and France of engravings after the ornamental designs and paintings of Jean-Antoine Watteau (French, 1684-1721). For the fabric of this ball gown, two images by Jacques-Philippe Le Bas after Watteau have been combined. It is likely that the fabric was originally meant to have been used for furnishings, probably for a bedroom or boudoir (dressing room or private sitting room). The silk's swing design would have been considered provocative for the time since it had long been associated with seduction. The gown was possibly worn originally by a member of the demimonde such as an actress-or by a naive young woman.