Ensemble

Unknown

1836–40 · silk · Costume Institute

The inflated sleeves of the mid-1830s, once expanded to their fullest capacity, collapsed and contracted by 1837. This dress is a typical example of this new shape with its sleeves narrowed and gathered at the shoulder. Here, however, it is shown with its coordinated cape, since the survival of a complete, matching ensemble from this date is highly unusual. The desired overall effect was of a bell-shape which the cape, with its triangulated shoulder, emphasized.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1836–40

Medium

silk

Culture

European

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Lee Simonson, 1938