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• MMN #105388
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Description

The gigot (aka leg-of-mutton) sleeve was in fashion during the 1830s, but it's form changed considerably over the course of the decade. This dress demonstrates a version of the demi-gigot style, with smaller mid-arm puffs. The style's fullness deflated as the fashion trend progressed.

This particular demi-gigot version was preceded by larger balloon puffs at the shoulder. By 1837, gigot sleeves deflated and moved to the lower arm, a look that lingered for a time and competed in style with the 1840s straight sleeve trend.

Made from cream colored moiré silk fabric (treated silk with a wavey pattern, also called watered silk), the fabric also features a small raised woven floral motif pattern, which also classifies it as figured silk. The dress is associated with Mercy Owen Richardson, a cousin of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Family lore suggested this was her wedding dress in 1832. The sleeve style suggests the dress dates closer to 1834, although it may capture the early side of the smaller demi-gigot fashions.

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About This Item

• Title: Demi-gigot sleeve dress, Portland, ca. 1832
• Creation Date: circa 1834
• Subject Date: circa 1832
• Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
• Media: silk, cotton, metal
• Dimensions: 116.840 cm x 157.480 cm
• Local Code: A86-151.001
• Collection: Costume collection
• Object Type: Physical Object

Cross Reference Searches

Standardized Subject Headings

• Brides
• Clothing & dress
• Dresses
• Fads
• Weddings
• Women's clothing--19th century

People

• Richardson, Mercy Owen

Other Keywords

• 1830 dress
• 1830 fashion
• Dress
• Fashion

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More to Consider

Item 105364

Gigot sleeve dress, ca. 1830

Item 105390

Gigot (leg-of-mutton) sleeve dress, Eastport, ca. 1837

Item 110406

Margaret Richardson in her grandmother's wedding dress, Boston, ca. 1897

Item 110538

Mercy Owen Richardson's mourning veil, Cambridge, Massachusetts, ca. 1835

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