Afternoon dress
c. 1849
Blue shot silk
Museum purchase
Object numberP86.37.1
Fashion became more demure in the 1840s, in accordance with the ideology of "the angel in the house." Even rich shot silks that combined brilliantly colored threads appeared muted in color - and therefore "distinguished" and "modest," with mere flashes of glamorous mutability.
DescriptionBlue / red changeant silk afternoon dress, dark blue shirred ribbon cuff trim; round neckline; fitted bodice with front shoulder line tucks, fullness parallel shirred into center midriff above pointed waist; drop shoulder; long bell sleeves with curved cuff, slightly gathered at elbow; full skirt tightly shirred at waist; muslin lining, separately finished bodice front; right front hip princess seam pocket; piped seams; blue braid hem strip; boned bodice side seams; two hook and eye, 13 concealed eyelet and hook center back, six concealed eyelet and hook center front lining, one hook and eye center front neckline closureCollections
Exhibitions