Images(2)

Bodice

Date1835-1840

MediumSilk, linen

DimensionsOL shoulder to hem 12 in.
Bust 31 ¾ in.
Waist 25 ½ in.

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-142

DescriptionWoman’s bodice made of black silk damask with a floral and leaf pattern. Bodice has long sleeves set off the shoulder; there are rows of gathering by the shoulder, a full sleeve around the elbow, and a fitted cuff. The bodice has a wide neckline. The bodice has pleating above the bust, set above rouleaux trim sewn in a fan shape. The bodice has piped trim on the seams, neckline, and cuff. The body of the bodice is lined with tan linen, and the sleeves are lined in brown linen. The bodice fastens down the center back with a series of hooks and eyes.Label TextWomen's fashion in the 1830s was known for gigot or 'leg of mutton' sleeves. Earlier in the decade, fullness sat high on the arm, either gathered at the shoulder or puffed above the elbow. However, as the decade went on, fullness slid down the arm, eventually resulting in the long, closer fitting sleeves of the 1840s.ProvenancePrior to 1970, passed by descent to Katherine Jeffress [1908-1984] (Richmond, VA); 1970 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present given to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA