Lady’s Monthly Museum, December 1800.
“Afternoon Dress for Dec. 1800.”
This is the end of the second year of publication for this magazine, and it was still publishing original fashion prints. By 1806 they were “borrowing” prints from other publications. These early original prints are generally rather simplistic, with neither the engraving nor the hand-coloring being very fine. But this print shows a more detailed setting than we usually see in this magazine, with what looks to be a harpsichord, sheet music, and two candelabra. My favorite detail is that the standing woman is holding a tambourine.
Afternoon dresses are frequently see in this magazine and others publishing at this time. They are always dressier than walking dresses but not as fancy as evening dress. They would likely have been worn for elegant afternoon events like garden parties, barge parties, or afternoon concerts. But they disappear in fashion prints after 1801 or so, only to re-appear, though infrequently, after 1813.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“1. The Scots robe, made high in the neck, with long loose sleeves, and laced ruff, pointed and crimped. Small cap of white lace, or silver gauze, with rows of yellow and scarlet beads, and high feathers. Coral necklace.
“2. White muslin robe, with long twisting sleeves, clasped down at the bosom with a gold buckle, the belt fastened with the military clasp: two lions heads connected by a serpent. Chip hat, scolloped at the sides, and turned up before and behind with scarlet velvet; no crown to it, the hair appearing through the top. Two high feathers, blue enameled necklace and ear-rings.”
