Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
According to "The Workwomen’s Guide" published in London in 1838, “Young persons, or those who are in mourning for young persons, frequently wear a good deal of white…very young children only wear white frocks [dresses] and black ribbons.” The book was published about the same time this white cotton dress was made. Hand drawn ink work on the dress added the necessary black detail.
The individual black ink work motifs are too detailed and dark to be embroidery transfers (tracing), but it is possible they were meant as future embroidery guidelines.This piece is not gender specific, despite the floral or lace components.
About This Item
- Title: Mourning dress for a young child, ca. 1830
- Creation Date: circa 1830
- Subject Date: circa 1830
- Location: ME
- Media: cotton
- Local Code: 1999.236.098
- Collection: Costume collection
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Children's clothing--19th century
- Clothing & dress
- Infant's clothing--19th century
- Mourning clothing & dress
- Mourning customs
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
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