Dress
c. 1805
Cotton gauze and embroidery
Museum purchase
Object numberP78.1.1
Stylized leaves and vines cascade down this dress. Its columnar shape emphasizes the natural line of the body and references classical statuary. During the Napoleonic era, political and cultural trends were inspired by Ancient Greece and Rome, and Neoclassical fashions flourished.
DescriptionWhite cotton mull dress with vine pattern tambour work in white; wide square front neck with scoop back; short sleeves with two spaced horizontal tucks; empire bodice with 2 cm. inset waistband in heavy slubbed fabric; row of lace insertion across bust; panel front skirt is slightly gathered at waistband; skirt is longer in back; back neck has drawstring to tie at center back; tie at waist closed backCollections
Exhibitions