Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- MMN #105295
- print page
- download web image
Purchase a reproduction of this item on VintageMaineImages.com.
This record was added to Maine Memory Network through the efforts of a student at University of Southern Maine. More info about student projects.
Description
A member of the Jewett family wore this green, brocade silk dress to an 1825 ball in Portland, in honor of Revolutionary War hero, the Marquis de Lafayette. According to "Agreeable Situations" published by the Brick Store Museum (1987), "the ball may have been a reception at Daniel Cobb's house or a social call Lafayette made on Portland ladies at the Ebenezer Thatcher residence."
The dress embodies a wide swath of American history. The fabric dates between 1735-1742 during the Colonial period. The dress itself was constructed in the 1770s around the time of the Revolutionary War. By 1825, the dress was altered and re-constructed, perhaps as a costume (known at the time as "fancy dress") in homage to the Marquis, or an early example of the colonial revival movement.
An "open gown," this was probably once a robe à l'anglaise or robe à la française. The front of the dress opens to expose the underskirt, which is made of the same fabric. Alterations are found throughout the dress, including a newer, white cotton waistband. The seams across the shoulders were altered at some point, and the skirt was hemmed to make the dress shorter.
About This Item
- Title: Revolutionary War-era styled gown, Portland, ca. 1825
- Creation Date: circa 1825
- Subject Date: circa 1825
- Location: Portland, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: Silk, cotton
- Dimensions: 147.320 cm x 328.295 cm
- Local Code: A86-735
- Collection: Costume collection
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Clothing and dress
- Costume
- Dresses--19th century
- Evening gowns--19th century
- Women's clothing--19th century
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.
More to Consider
Exhibit
The Maine Historical Society Historic Dress Collection
Please post your comment below to share with others. If you'd like to privately share a comment or correction with MMN staff, please send us a message with this link.
