Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, March 1813.
Half Dress is the category of dress that includes dresses worn from the late afternoon through the evening, for occasions that are dressier than a promenade in the park but much less formal that evening full dress. Sub-categories include Dinner Dress and Opera Dress. Though the print does not give us much of a clue as to the occasion, this dress would have been appropriate for either the opera, or a dinner party, or any half dress occasion.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“A round robe of coloured sarsnet, or muslin, spotted with amber; drawn frock bosom; and long, full sleeves, tied twice at the wrist, at regular distances. A tucker of lace, or plaited net. A cap à la Russe, composed of white satin and lace, confined with a ribband round the head, terminating in bows and ends on one side. Hair is dishevelled curls. Necklace and cross of amber beads. Gloves and shoes of lemon-coloured kid. Spanish capuchin, or lappelled cloak of white or stone-coloured kerseymere, embroidered with a rich border, in chenille and silk.”