Green floral silk gown fragment

ExpandFavorite

View PDF

Status

Not on view

Date1750-1770

Geography Possibly made - EnglandPossibly made - France

Medium/TechniqueFigured silk

DimensionsOverall: 4 in. × 5 in. (10.16 cm × 12.7 cm) Other (With label): 4 1/2 in. (11.43 cm)

Credit LineGift of Nancy Seldon VenderHoof, 1958

Object numberW-2197

DescriptionThe fragment consists of a weft-faced, unbalanced plain weave with floated 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 pattern 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 is creased along the bottom edge, with one side showing the original coloring while the other side is faded. The piece shows minimal unraveling.
Published ReferencesCatalogue Loan Exhibition Under the Auspices of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the District of Columbia for the Benefit of the Jamestown Memorial, The Octagon, 17-21 April 1906, #231, p. 13.

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.