Muslin Dress with Palm Tree Embroidery, ca. 1802
Transparent white cotton with fall-open bodice and long sleeve, having tambour embroidered palm leaves in brown and green decorating the neckline and cuff, slightly trained skirt with a border of palm trees above a band of foliage, front drawstring neckline, apron front. Very good condition. Embroidered binding torn and slightly soiled at neckline, lacking ties, some tearing to cuffs, scattered minor holes and faint, tiny spots. An unusual, rare and very beautiful dress. The decoration is not included.
Provenance: Helen Larson Collection (purchased from Doris Langley Moore). Helen Larson was a collector based in Whittier, California. She owned a successful film costume rental business and amassed a world-renowned private collection of historic fashion. She was a brilliant connoisseur and historian.
Bust: ~ 28"
Front Length: ~ 54"
Back Length: ~ 57"
