Dress, blue satin
Dateca. 1800
MediumSilk, linen
DimensionsOL 55 in.
Silk width 19 1/8 in.
Silk width 19 1/8 in.
Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2023-168
DescriptionWoman's dress of blue-grey silk satin in "neoclassical" style with a raised waistline. The dress has a low rounded neckline gathered with a drawstring and a center-front closure extending 6 1/2 inches down into the skirt. The opening into the skirt is backed by a flap of blue satin stitched to one side of the opening to camouflage the opening. A 3/4-inch wide band with a drawstring creates a raised waistline positioned just under the bust, fastened at center front with a black hook and eye (probably later in date). The long skirt falls from the pleated and gathered front waistband to a tucked hem. Straight elbow-length sleeves end in a hem and narrow tuck just above the hemmed opening. The bodice back has narrow shoulders and cream insets of chevron pleated satin forming a wide V from the shoulders toward the center back. The back skirt has deep pleats falling straight to the hem. Pocket slit openings appear on both sides of the skirt. The bodice and sleeves are lined with cream linen that pins together at center front, forming an under-bodice. Alterations: The dress appears to have been altered to raise the waistline sometime in the late eighteenth century. The linen bodice lining is longer than the current bodice, suggesting an originally lowered waistline. The front skirt has piecing near the hem to lengthen it and adjust for the waistline being raised. The skirt piecing is camouflaged by a tuck above the hem.The skirt may have originally had a slight train.
Label TextAt the end of the eighteenth century, women's styles changed from tight, fitted bodices and lower waistlines to a new style with waistlines raised to just under the bust. This silk dress shows evidence of being remodeled to raise the waistline after styles had evolved. The dress has a history of being worn in Virginia.ProvenanceDates unknown, family member or ancestor of Gov. Frederick W. M. Holliday [1828-1899] (Winchester, VA); dates unknown, descended in family to Mrs. Henry W. Bennett, born Ariana Holliday [b. ca. 1862] (Indianapolis, Indiana); 1960, given to Valentine Museum (Richmond, Virginia); 2023, given to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)
