Green floral silk gown fragment

Status

Not on view

Date1750-1770

Geography Possibly made - FrancePossibly made - England

Medium/TechniqueSilk weft float brocade

DimensionsOverall: 6 1/4 in. × 4 3/4 in. (15.88 cm × 12.07 cm)

Credit LinePurchased by the A. Alfred Taubman Acquisition Endowment Fund and partial gift of an anonymous donor, 2004

Object numberW-2780/G

DescriptionThe fragment consists of an unbalanced plain weave with floated weft brocade. The pattern consists of a vertical, serpentine vine motif with flowers, berries, and leafs. A small amount of lace patterning complements the semi-naturalistic floral motif. The pattern repeats vertically every 6 inches, and horizontally every 2 1/2 inches. The motif is executed by floating, additional continuous wefts.

The small repeat, semi-naturalism, serpentine, and lace pattern suggest a date in the 1750s or 1760s.

The fragment bears a seam across the top edge with a 1/4 inch allowance. The seam is secured with a running stitch, and the allowance is felled with diagonal running stitches binding the edge. The thread is the same green silk or linen thread present in other fragments of the same fabric.

The fragment has significant fraying on the left side.

Mount Vernon's object research is ongoing and information about this object is subject to change. For information on image use and reproductions, click here.