Dress
PeriodCirca 1861 - 1865
Place MadePossibly New Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumSilk, glazed cotton, linen
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of Mrs. S. A. Mohn, 1982
Object number1982.9.10
DescriptionA woman's day dress in lightweight navy blue silk in two pieces including an underskirt and a bodice with an attached overskirt. The bodice has a front button closure, a fitted and gathered bodice with piped seams, slightly dropped shoulder seams with long shaped sleeves gathered at the wrists with deep cuffs. The bodice's rounded neckline includes a narrow standing collar edged with eyelet lace. A row of pink crocheted covered dome buttons run down the front of the bodice and are also used as decorative elements at the cuffs, shoulders, and on the sides of the overskirt. The bodice's attached overskirt flares out from a very narrow fitted waist and falls to knee length. The matching underskirt is ornamented with gathered and ruched panels along the hem.Curatorial RemarksThis woman's day dress relies on well cut construction and fit rather than on extensive ornamentation. With its rows of buttons, deep wrist cuffs, and rounded neckline, the dress appears almost military in style, quite possibly reflecting the time period in which it was made, as the Civil War began in 1861.
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