Dress

Unknown

1826–29 · silk · Costume Institute

While its descending waistline, swelling sleeves, and raised hemline, this splendid day dress anticipates the exaggerated outline of the 1830s. Pleating on the front--beginning at the waist, opening acrosss the bodice, and extending toward the full sleeves--creates the illusion of increased width at the shoulders. The ankle begins its brief decade of exposure, even as the silhouette otherwise assumes a body-concealing mass and modesty.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1826–29

Medium

silk

Culture

British

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Miss Irene Lewisohn, 1937