Dress and Shawl

View of dress, shawl and detail image.

Dress, c. 1815–20. American, embroidery probably produced in India. Embroidered cotton muslin. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Clifton M. Bockstoce, 1963.511

Shawl, 1818. Indian. Embroidered cotton muslin. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John G. Pennypacker, 1965.115

Renaissance “slashing” inspired this early example of Romantic style. The original manner of creating this look required pulling a fine linen smock or shirt through the slashes of an outer garment to make puffs. In early nineteenthcentury costume, a similar effect was achieved by gathering fine cotton muslin in vertical puffs, as seen in the sleeves of this dress.