Images(2)

Dress

Date1820-1825

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Culpeper County (worn in)

MediumSilk, gauze, linen

DimensionsOL 53 3/8 in.; Bust 39 5/8 in.; Waist 29 7/8 in.

Credit LineGift of the Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-211

DescriptionWomen’s cream figured silk dress with raised waist and short, cap sleeves. The skirt is straight in front with gathers at the center back. The silk is woven with a repeating floral pattern that transitions to a more detailed floral and vase-like design at the hem. The bodice has four darts sewn under the bust. The bodice has a wide neckline with triangular trim. The seams on the back of the bodice are piped. The bodice is lined with linen. The center back lining is only sewn down at the top of the neckline. The dress fastens with three hooks and thread eyes; these are likely a later addition. The dress fastens with a drawstring at the back of the waist. The cap sleeves have decorative slashes with piped edges and matching silk puffs. There are three scalloped gauze ruffles sewn in between the slashes. There is a pocket sewn into the front of the bodice just to the right of center.Label TextWhen the Marquis de Lafayette made his famous tour of the United States in 1824 and 1825, Americans dressed for the occasion. Lafayette themed adornments included gloves, handkerchiefs, cravats, fans, and buttons. This belt, stamped with Lafayette's image and paired with a matching silk dress, descended through the Major-LaRue family of Culpeper, VA. One of the Major sisters, wearing this dress, may have attended the ball given in Lafayette's honor at the Masons' Hall in Culpeper County on August 22nd.Inscription(s)There is a fabric tag sewn into the lining, "60.14.03"; this is the previous number assigned by the Valentine Museum.Provenanceca. 1825 worn by either Frances Haney Major (1802-1836), Elizabeth Thatcher Corbin Major (1803-1871), or Mary Major (1808-1836); prior to 1960, passed down by descent to Miss Mamie LaRue (Mary Bowen LaRue) (Kabletown, West Virginia); 1960 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present given to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)