About this artwork
While early 19th century fashion tended to lighter fabrics and less decoration than that of the previous century, dress for formal occasions such as appearances at court continued to be subject to strict rules, as exemplified by this garment. The trio of lilies at the center of the skirt are a symbol of French royalty. The textures of the different metal threads applied to the shining satin fabric each reflect light slightly differently.
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Currently Off View
- Textiles
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Title
- Skirt from a Court Gown
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Origin
- France
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Date
- Made 1805–1815
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Medium
- Silk, satin weave; embroidered with gold metal-wrapped over a silk fibre core, gold frisé, silk, gold metal formed ornaments, "purl," spangles, gold metal strips; couching over paper core and silk padding, in pattern and backstitch; trimmed with bobbin lace made of gold metal strip wound around a silk fibre core
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Dimensions
- 117.4 × 214.4 cm (46 1/4 × 84 1/2 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Constance Rothschild Morris
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Reference Number
- 1954.1278
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.
