Dress
Date1805-1810
MediumSilk, linen, metallic thread
DimensionsOL from shoulder to hem 53 in.; Bust approx. 27 7/8 in. (adjustable and affected by tear at neckline); Waist 26 7/8 in.
Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-148
DescriptionDress made of cream silk with repeating floral pattern. The dress has long sleeves that are gathered at the back of the shoulder. The sleeves end in two layered silk panels trimmed with silk chenille wrapped around metallic thread. The bodice has a square neckline that is gathered in the center front and back. The dress is straight in front and gathered at the back of the waist. The dress fastens in the center back with a set of ties at the neckline and a set of ties at the waist. The bodice is partially lined at the armscye and center back with linen. There are two linen flaps at the center back, which can pin to fasten. The dress is faced with linen at the hem.Label TextThis dress is made of a lightweight lustrous silk, likely called sarcenet or lustring (lutestring) in the period, and features a repeating floral pattern. Fabrics like these were consciously produced with a shine, allowing the wearer to glitter in candlelight. The use of silk chenille trim made with metallic thread would have added to the wearer's dazzling appearance.Inscription(s)There is a fabric tag sewn into the lining at the center back of the neckline, "56.29.1"; this is the previous number assigned by the Valentine Museum.ProvenancePrior to 1956, Mrs. William Martin (Katharine Sinton) (Richmond, VA); 1956 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present given to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)
