Morning Dress, October 1813

Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, October 1813.

“Morning Dress”

The absence of a bonnet suggests this is an indoor morning dress. The pose of the model, the “rosary” round her neck, the “convent hood,” and the tiny book which may be a prayer book or missal, all suggest this ensemble was worn for church. The lack of bonnet, however, would perhaps indicate a private chapel, not a public church where would one would have to walk outdoors.

The three-quarter length over-dress is a style more often seen in the previous decade, but does occasionally show up in prints of morning dresses at this time.

The print is described in the magazine as follows:

“A plain cambric under-dress; a three-quartered muslin or Chinese silk robe worn over it, trimmed round the bottom and up the front with Indian border, or needle-work, and finished with a deep flounce of lace. A convent hood and pelerine of white net lace, confined under the chin with a silk cord and tassel. Hair in irregular curls, ornamented with a fancy flower in the front. A short rosary and cross of the coquilla bead; bracelets of the same. Slippers of buff or lemon-coloured kid. Gloves a pale tan colour.”

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