Dress
PeriodCirca 1825-1830
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumCotton muslin, cotton net
Dimensions50 in. (127 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineMuseum Collection
Object numberL1988.651
DescriptionA woman's gown of lightweight plain woven cotton muslin, constructed as a one-piece garment. The gown includes a wide, shallow boat neck, high waistline, front bodice with two fitting darts, long sleeves with wide upper arm sections narrowing to closely-fitting wrists. The sleeves end in a band of broderie anglaise and net eyelet foliate embroidery, flanked top and bottom with five narrow rows of tiny piping. The skirt is gathered to the waistband with narrow gauging, flaring out slightly to hem elaborately ornamented with three rows of 13 piped bands alternating with wide bands of broderie anglaise and large circle eyelets with inset cotton netting panels. The gown has a rear closure with small thread buttons and thread loops as fastenings.Curatorial RemarksThis gown is a marvleous example of the transitional style of the very late 1820s and very early 1830s. By this time, the exaggerated high waistline of the first two decades of the 19th century was slowly moving downward towards the natural waistline. The use of multiple rows of piping alternating with white-on-white embroidery and eyelet circles inset with fine white cotton netting speaks to the detail and skill of the unknown dressmaker. White cotton muslin was a popular and appropriate choice for gowns for young ladies as well as summer wear. The gown's original owner would have worn this garment with a decorative collar and chemisette, and most likely a sash or ribbon belt.
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