Ball Dress, February 1814

Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, February 1814.

“Ball Dress”

The background furnishings in Ackermann prints are always a wonderful glimpse into interiors of the period. It’s difficult to tell here if this is a free standing side board or an attached architectural element. And are the apples (or whatever fruit it is) meant to be eaten, or are they purely decorative? And what about the footstool? Was it to rest one’s sore-from-dancing feet upon? While standing? The whole setting is a lovely backdrop for the dress, but the details fill me with too may questions,

The print is described in the magazine as follows:

“EVENING OR DANCING DRESS. A white crape petticoat, worn over gossamer satin, ornamented at the feet with with rows of puckered net, with a centre border of blue satin, or velvet, in puffs. A bodice of blue satin, with short full sleeves, and cuffs to correspond with the bottom of the dress. A full puckered border of net, or crape, round the bosom. Stomacher and belt of white satin, with pearl or diamond clasp. Hair in dishevelled curls, divided in front of the forehead, and ornamented with clusters of small variegated flowers; a large transparent Mechlin veil, thrown occasionally over the head, shading the bosom in front, and falling in graceful drapery beneath. Ear-rings, nekclace, and bracelets of Oriental pearl, or white cornelian. Slippers of white satin, with blue rosettes. White kid gloves; and fan of spangled crape and blue foil.”

 

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