Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- MMN #105761
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Description
While the style of this dress, with its bateau (boat neck) neckline and short puffed gigot sleeves, are indicative of 1830s trends, the brocade fabric from which it was made hails from the 18th century. The imported brocade silk includes a floral spray design, with red and yellow flowers.
Associated with Anne Jameson Anderson of Windham, likely Anne Jameson Anderson (1831-1899), the dress probably dates closer to 1840 then the style might first suggest. Popular in the 1830s, a shorter puffed sleeve and wide neckline did carry through into the 1840s. Perhaps the dress was updated for Anderson when she was the right age and height to wear it.
Additionally, there is evidence the dress was altered later on, especially the skirt and waistband, the latter of which show signs of machine stitching and re-pleating. While garments of the period sometimes included a belted silhouette, the sash may or may not be original, despite being of the same fabric.
About This Item
- Title: Brocade silk dress with pleated puffed sleeves, Windham, ca. 1840
- Creation Date: circa 1840
- Subject Date: circa 1840
- Location: Windham, Cumberland County, ME
- Media: silk, cotton, metal
- Local Code: 1992.297.1 a-c
- Collection: Costume collection
- Object Type: Physical Object
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For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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