Contributed by Maine Historical Society
- MMN #105814
- print page
- download web image
Purchase a reproduction of this item on VintageMaineImages.com.
Description
An example of Victorian mourning attire, this black silk faille two -piece dress features seventeen velvet buttons. The velvet covered buttons were likely once black, but have since faded to dark blue. The tight-fitting bodice has long straight sleeves and high neck with a short stand-up velvet collar. The silk faille ensemble is lined in blue and brown twill weave cotton, and a brown glazed plain weave cotton. Small pleating details are found on the back of the bodice and the skirt.
Both the bodice and skirt shows signs of alteration. The bodice's bust darts were let out at one point. The skirt shows signs of released machine stitching, and evidence that something -perhaps an embellishment- was removed from the back right side, and the side right panel.
While its unclear what was removed from the skirt, adding embellishment to mourning attire was appropriate as one phased out of deeper mourning into later stages of the grieving process. Although, the removal of an embellishment may reflect style updates or personal preference, not always mourning practices.
This ensemble dates from between 1875 and 1880.
About This Item
- Title: Mourning dress, ca. 1878
- Creation Date: circa 1878
- Subject Date: circa 1878
- Location: ME
- Media: silk, cotton
- Dimensions: 163.195 cm x 311.785 cm
- Local Code: A86-107 a,b
- Collection: Costume collection
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Mourning clothing & dress
- Mourning customs
- Mourning dress
- Women's clothing--19th century
- Clothing & dress
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
Item 105815
Black taffeta dress, ca. 1865
Item 105816
Bradbury family mourning dress, Standish, ca. 1845
Item 105817
Altered mourning dress, Standish, ca. 1865
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.
