1815 Muslin Chemise Dress
The period between 1815 and 1820 was a transitional period in women's fashion as the styles moved away from the Classical and more toward the Romantic. During this period waistlines returned to their natural level and skirts became fuller.
This dress is an excellent example of this transition with elements attributable to both eras. A set in waistband sits much closer to the natural waistline than earlier dressed and the rusching on the bodice and sleeves foretell the fashion for fullness and ornamentation that would increase through the 1820s and 30s. The back exhibits the seaming of the "fiddle" back where the shoulder, back and side seams form a diamond shape and the skirt has a soft fullness which again foretells the fashions to come.
The bodice features rusched panels alternating with insets of handmade lace that is set off with piping which outlines the intersection of each element as well as the armscyes and neckline. Back closure is with drawstrings which tie at the neckline and waist. The back of the bodice is lined in muslin which would have been pinned in place. As one would expect all stitching is by hand.
The condition of this piece is excellent no stains, holes or repairs. There is one tiny quarter inch rip at the bottom of the back closure which is barely noticeable and could be easily repaired if desired with a few small stitches.
