Afternoon dress
c. 1830
Silk satin
Museum purchase
Object numberP88.28.1
The voluminous "leg-of-mutton," or gigot, sleeves are prominent features of this dress, which is typical of the Later Romantic period, when sleeves and skirts achieved their greatest width. The increased volume of the sleeve and skirt emphasize the small corseted waist, which was revived during this period. The deeply saturated color of the dress represents a tendency towards the use of darker, more vivid hues. Traditionally symbolizing nature, the color green, with its connotations of luck in Ireland and sanctity in the Islamic religion, is reflective of the “exoticism” that was popular during the Romantic periods.
DescriptionAfternoon dress in green silk satin; fitted, draped bodice with wide sweetheart neck, large pieced puffed (gigot) sleeves, corded seams, inset waistband, full gathered skirtCollections
Exhibitions