Images(3)

Bodice and Sleeves

Date1815-1825

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Culpeper County

MediumCotton voile, linen

DimensionsA OL 12 in.; Bust 29 ¾ in.; Waist 22 3/8 in.
B OL 20 ½ in.
C OL 22 ¼ in

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-146,A-C

DescriptionBodice with two detachable sleeves made of white cotton voile embroidered with a repeating semi-circular shape. A, bodice with raised waistline and cap sleeves. The cap sleeves are decorated with white cotton piping and ruffles. Cuff is hemmed with piping. Slight gathering at waistband on center front of bodice. Bodice seams and neckline are hemmed with piping. Armscye and back of bodice are partially lined with white linen. Bodice fastens down the center back with a hook and eye at the top and cord ties, which are adjustable, at the bottom. B-C, matching detachable sleeves with small cotton ruffle at cuff.Label TextWomen's garments in the early decades of the 19th century were often made to adapt to different occasions. This bodice, for example, includes matching, detachable sleeves, which could be pinned on. Often, long sleeves instead of short distinguished between daytime and evening wear.Provenanceca. 1815 worn by Lightfoot family member (Culpeper County, VA); prior to 1970 passed down by descent to Susan Turner Lightfoot (Fredericksburg, VA); 1970 passed by descent to Edith Boulware Carter (Fredericksburg, VA); 1993 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present given to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)