Wedding dress

This wedding dress was worn in 1841 by an unknown but fashionable bride. The period 1838-1841 was a transitional period during which full, puffed sleeves and short-waisted bodices gave way to a slimmer, elongated silhouette, as exemplified by this gown's long-waisted, form-fitting bodice with narrow sleeves. The sleeves and skirt are trimmed with gathered tulle and applied strips of braid and buttons. The cream silk satin fabric is figured with flower-baskets, stripes and floral sprays.

This was an extremely sophisticated dress for 1841. The low-cut neckline is an especially modish feature which appears in fashion plates of the decade. Many nineteenth century brides wore matching capes or pelerines over low-cut bodices, or covered exposed necks and upper chests with high-necked chemisettes.