Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, August 1812.
“Evening Dress.”
This is one of several prints from Ackermann, mostly in 1812, that show the model with a wistful expression, her eyes cast upward. One wonders what the artist told her to think about?
It is unusual to see epaulets on the shoulders, but no actual sleeves. The dress is described as having “short Circassian sleeves,” though they must be very short indeed as they cannot be seen. The epaulettes, hem, and waist are ornamented with ball fringe, something not often seen in evening dresses of this period.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“White crape robe, with short Circassian sleeves and demi-high waist, with full frills of lace–the robe worn over a white satin slip. Epaulets of variegated gold ball fringe, ornamented at the feet and bottom of the waist to correspond. A Moorish turban of Indian gold muslin, with a cluster of flowers on the left side. Necklace, ear-rings, and bracelets of brilliants, pearl, or sapphire set in gold. Gloves of white French kid below the elbow. Slippers of white satin, with gold rosettes and fringe. Occasional scarfs of white lace.
“We are indebted to the unrivaled taste and invention of Mrs. Gill, of Cork-street, for these [including this one in the same issue], as for many others of the most elegant specimens of British costume which embellish this work.”
