About this artwork
White cotton dresses first appeared in French fashion in the 1780s; the simplicity of the delicate column-like silhouette was seen as an ideal expression of Neoclassical femininity, a look inspired by Classical Greek and Roman statuary. The quality of this cotton was nearly impossible to replicate using European industrial methods, adding to its cachet.
The prevailing fashion for light, sheer cotton gowns necessitated a range of accessories to keep women warm. The short Spencer jacket complemented high-waisted gowns such as this example in the museum’s collection (AIC 2019.787.1). The woman’s version was adapted from menswear and was probably inspired by the English second Earl of Spencer (1758–1834), who reportedly cut off the tails of a damaged coat and invented a new style. Short jackets were made of a variety of fabrics; this example’s block-printed cotton is a product of the French printing industry that was inspired by the global trade in colorful, Indian cotton fabrics.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Textiles
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Title
- Woman's Day Dress and Spencer Jacket
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Place
- France (Object made in)
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Date
- Made 1796–1804
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Medium
- Gown: Cotton Mull (thin plain weave fabric); Jacket: cotton, plain weave, block printed; cotton lining
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Dimensions
- Jacket Overall width with sleeves extended: W.: 151.1 cm (59 1/2 in.); Overall: H.: 30.5 cm (12 in.); Sleeve: H.: 63.5 cm (25 in.); Center back: H.: 20.3 cm (8 in.); Gown Approximately: H.: 152.4 cm (60 in.)
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Credit Line
- Belle M. Borland Endowment Fund
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Reference Number
- 2019.787.1-2
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IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/253651/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
