Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
This colorful green and pink child’s dress includes a wide boat-neck, flared sleeves, and cartridge pleating. The dress was probably paired with pantalettes, or long bloomers, and a bodice––a precursor to a true corset. Corsets for children were not as draconian as they might sound, but they were unique to girls, representing patriarchal ideas about modesty. Children’s corsets were also intended for warmth, to help improve posture, and were less ridged than the adult version. As young girls reached their teens, their corsets started to mimic those worn by adult women, with stiff boning, tighter laces, or other structural elements.
About This Item
- Title: Child’s summer dress, ca. 1835
- Creation Date: circa 1835
- Subject Date: circa 1835
- Location: ME
- Media: cotton
- Dimensions: 76.2 cm x 104.1 cm
- Local Code: 1999.236.022
- 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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