Muslin day dress
Object No. A8221
This is English day dress of embroidered cotton muslin dates from about 1810. After the French revolution in 1789, opulent silk brocades and lace became associated with royal indulgences of the past. The new fashion was inspired by ancient Greek sculpture, which depicted the female body draped in clinging fabrics. This semi-transparent dress is secured under the bust and decorated with net insertions and whitework. It was worn over a line chemise to ensure modesty under flimsy materials.
Loading...
Summary
Object Statement
Day dress, hand sewn, empire line, muslin, maker unknown, England, c. 1810
Physical Description
Day dress of white sprigged muslin. Empire line bibbed front bodice fastening at front shoulders with self covered buttons and loops. Net lace insertions across upper front of bodice, squared neckline front and back. Very long tapered sleeves with lower pointed hem fitting over the back of the hands, gathered at the shoulders to form shoulder puffs. Ankle length skirt is slashed open at the side seams from waist to mid thigh to form apron panels which tie with cotton drawstring tapes at centre back below the empire line bodice. Bodice only lined with fine white cotton. All handsewn.
DIMENSIONS
Depth
1170 mm
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Anne Schofield, 1982
Acquisition Date
21 May 1982
Copyright for the above image is held by the Powerhouse and may be subject to third-party copyright restrictions. Please submit an Image Licensing Enquiry for information regarding reproduction, copyright and fees. Text is released under Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivative licence.
Image Licensing Enquiry
Object Enquiry