Empire woman’s white day dress c.1805
A fine example of an Empire dress, c. 1805, reflecting the fashionable neoclassical silhouette of the early nineteenth century. Made in lightweight white cotton fabric, the dress features a high waistline
Description
A woman’s white cotton day dress, c. 1805, with a delicately embroidered hem, worn with a wool and cashmere shawl. Its high waist, simple flowing skirt and restrained decoration reflect the neoclassical fashions of the early Empire period, which drew inspiration from the perceived purity and elegance of ancient Greek and Roman dress.
History & Context
A fine example of an Empire dress, c. 1805, reflecting the fashionable neoclassical silhouette of the early nineteenth century. Made in lightweight white cotton fabric, the dress features a high waistline positioned directly beneath the bust, a softly gathered bodice, short puffed sleeves and a long, relatively straight skirt. Its simplicity of form was inspired by the dress of classical antiquity and became closely associated with the fashionable world of Napoleonic France. The restrained white ground would originally have been enlivened by coloured sashes, shawls, jewellery and other accessories, allowing the appearance of the dress to be altered according to occasion and taste.
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