#6552 $1,100
Silk damask dress, c.1825-1830
This lovely silk damask dress is transitional in style between the low-cut, straight empire dresses and the fuller skirts, higher necklines, and gigot sleeves of the Romantic period.
In the early 1820s, the straight lines of the Neoclassical style began to give way to the more exaggerated shapes of the Romantic period. The high waist, which returned to its natural level, was again tightened with corsets. Full skirts that emphasized the desirable small waist were back in style.
The waistline of this dress is slightly higher than the natural waist but lower than the empire waists of the preceding period. The sleeves, which are full at the top, hint at the direction sleeves would take over the following decade.
The dress is fashioned from mustard-colored silk damask. The pattern is a subtle diagonal plaid with small flowers in the diamonds. The directness and integrity of the overall design have an enduring charm and resonance.
The bodice front is lined with beige glazed cotton; the bodice back is lined with cotton canvas. The bodice seams, cuffs, and hem border are outlined with beige silk braided cord. The hem border is faced with mauve cotton.
The dress is completely hand sewn with tiny stitches in silk thread. The back waist has drawstring ties to adjust the fullness.
The condition is almost excellent. The dress has several small pale stains, slight underarm discoloration, and a well-done early mend on the hem border. There is no structural damage. The above mentioned flaws are minor and do not spoil the appearance of the dress.
It measures: 38" bust, 32" waist, 24" sleeve length, 13 1/2" from the shoulder to the waist, and 52" from the shoulder to the hem.
