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Evening dress
American (Boston)
about 1887-1902
Object Place: United States
Medium/Technique
Silk velvet with silk plain weave lining
Dimensions
Center front (Skirt): 101.6 cm (40 in.)
Center back (Skirt): 152.4 cm (60 in.)
Costume (Skirt waist): 26 in. (66 cm)
Center back (Skirt): 152.4 cm (60 in.)
Costume (Skirt waist): 26 in. (66 cm)
Credit Line
Anonymous gift in honor of Louise B. Seton
Accession Number2013.1653.1-3
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas, Fashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionRed velvet evening gown orginally dated about 1887. Original bodice and later bodice dated 1902. Sleeveless bodice lined with cream silk tafetta. The long red velvet skirt is trained with decorative tabs and ruffle at hem. Shape of skirt is not consistent with the 1887 Sargent portrait (which suggests a large bustle at the back). Skirt was probably altered during the early 20th century to achieve a slimmer A-line shape, when second bodice was made.
ProvenanceLate 19th century, made for Louise Pomeroy Inches (d. 1933), Boston; 1933, by descent to her daughter, Louise B. Seton (d. 1971), Concord, MA; 1971, gift of Louise B. Seton to a private collector; 2013, anonymous gift to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 23, 2013)