Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, July 1815.
“Evening Dress.”
I love to see back views as we not only get to see the back of the dress (important for dressmakers and home seamstresses) but also the back of the hair. So much of the hair is often obscured, but here we see what looks similar to a French twist, which is quite elegant.
The lady is carrying sheet music. Perhaps she is about to perform?
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“A white satin slip, worn under a dress formed of tull, with folds of satin of Pomona green and white alternately let in, terminating at the feet with a rich flounce of blond lace, headed with a broad border of white roses, appliqued with lilies of the valley. A frock front, tastefully varied with tull and satin ribbon; the back brought to a point, reaching the bottom of the waist, and trimmed from the points of the stomacher in front with qulling a blond lace. Short fancy sleeve of tull and satin ribbon, corresponding with the front o the dress. Short sash of net edged with green satin, tied in bows behind. Head-dress, a plume of ostrich feathers; necklace, pearl, ear-drops and bracelets to correspond; slippers, white satin; gloves of French kid, drawn over the elbow.
“The dresses of this month, as well as those of the last, are furnished by Mrs. Bean, of Albemarle-street, a lady to whose taste and invention the fashionable world is under considerable obligations.”