Materials: Cream China silk, silk satin, appliquéd net lace, silk
ribbons, pink, gold and green floral appliqué, gold lame waist band. Lining:
cream silk taffeta, 7 baleen stays, brass hooks and eyes, silk Gros grain
petersham.
Provenance: Owned by Justine Morgan
Brockway Whittemore (1866-1940) of Tranquility Farm, Naugatuck, Connecticut. The
Whittemores were among CT.'s most prominent families. Justine Whittemore
and her children had their portraits painted by Mary Cassat.
Label: Woven silk into petersham:
"Francis 9, Rue Auber".
Condition: Good. The ball gown has
very damaged sleeves around the armscyes; luckily, this damage is camouflaged by
the deep lace ruffle around the neckline. The skirt has a few faint brown and
pink stains and one small tear; all minor. The weighted silk lining is
shattering. Despite condition problems, this ball gown looks just beautiful when
displayed.
Measurements: Bodice: Sh-Sh, 15.5";
B, 41"; W, 31"; Slv L, 13". Skirt: W, 31"; Front L,
38.5"; Back L, 40"; Hem C, 163".
Comments: The most striking feature
of this gown is its lace with figural appliqués. The lace has a net ground with
rows of ballerinas pirouetting amongst flowers; behind and above the dancers
stars are scattered. The ballerinas' tutus are three dimensional with cream silk
gathered ribbons inserted under the skirts' top layers. The craftsmanship
throughout this gown is masterful. This is a rare and exquisite French Belle
Epoch ball gown.
|
