Dress
c. 1812
Cotton
Museum purchase
Object numberP89.40.6
Early 19th-century fashion favored cotton muslin, which was produced in good qualities around Europe and exported to the United States. Post-revolution France set trends for simple, white cotton gowns that represented the new Republic and egalitarianism. Muslin also mimicked the drapery on ancient Greek sculpture, speaking to the popularity of Neoclassicism.
DescriptionEmpire dress in sheer white cotton; décolleté, with short sleeves and shirred, flared skirt; CB hooksCollections
Exhibitions