Green floral silk gown fragment

Green Silk Dress Fragment,
1750-1770,
Silk, Weft Float Brocade

Status

Not on view

Date1750-1770

Geography Possibly made - FrancePossibly made - England

Medium/TechniqueSilk/ weft float brocade

DimensionsOverall: 2 5/8 in. × 4 7/8 in. (6.67 cm × 12.38 cm) Other (With label): 3 1/8 in. (7.94 cm)

Credit LineGift of Mrs. John S. Wise, 1955

Object numberW-2007/E

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 linen label tag is pulling a weft thread, causing creasing along that edge. There is also mild unraveling along the edges.
Published ReferencesWilliam Armstrong, "Some New Washington Relics. I. From the Collection of Mrs. B.W. Kennon," The Century Magazine 40/1 (May 1890): 18.

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