Antique-Gown

Visiting dress from the Biedermeier period (Germany) or from the Romantic period (England). The antique dress was worn in England around 1847. The antique visiting dress is a two-piece consisting of a one-piece dress and a cape. The beautiful silk brocade fabric is in purple, black and white, with the purple predominant. Small triangular appliqués on the ribbon are attached to the cape and sleeves.

The cape is pulled over the head; the train is pleated; it is long at the back up to the waist. The dress has long sleeves that flares out slightly at the bottom. Round neckline.This is a very finely made example of a 1840s dress. The significant highlight is the very fine and even cartridge pleating at the waist. These elements combined with an elongated waist and V-shaped bust create a quintessential style of the period. The skirt is pleated at the waist. It falls like a bell. The shape is created by underskirts that are worn on top of each other.

The female silhouette of the middle of the 19th century consisted of a fitted corseted bodice and wide full skirts. The conical skirts developed between the 1830s, when the high waist of the Empire silhouette was lowered and the skirts became more bell shaped, to the late 1860s, when the fullness of the skirts were pulled to the back and the bustle developed. The flared skirts of the period gradually increased in size throughout and were supported by a number of methods. Originally support came from multiple layers of petticoats which, due to weight and discomfort, were supplanted by underskirts comprised of graduated hoops made from materials such as baleen, cane and metal. The fashions during this time allowed the textiles to stand out because of the vast surface areas of the skirt and a relatively minimal amount of excess trim.

The dress is in very good to excellent condition. A few seams are open. These can easily be sewn up. A great dress that has delighted and impressed us. Very authentic. It must have cost a fortune in 1847 - if only because of the fabric.

Chest: ~ 79 cm
Waist: ~ 68 cm
Length: ~ 135 cm

Price: 1.480 Euro