Images(2)

Pelisse

Dateca. 1820

MediumSilk, wool, mohair

DimensionsOL 53 in.; Bust 34 ½ in.; Waist 30 in.

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-176

DescriptionBlue silk pelisse with a rounded collar and cap sleeves set over full-length sleeves. Mohair trim on collar, cap sleeve, cuff, down the left side of the center front, and around the hem. There is a matching belt sewn to the pelisse in the center back. The pelisse is lined with pale green silk and interlined throughout with wool batting. There is evidence of decorative fastenings down the center front of the skirt. 2 fastenings remain at the hem; gold colored leaf and scrollwork shaped clasps. There are internal fastenings with hooks and eyes at the collar and waistline. The center back has matching cord trimming the diamond shaped seams. The skirt is gathered to the center back waistline.
Label TextIn the early 19th century, women wore pelisses as outerwear year round. Pelisses for colder months were often interlined to provide additional layers against the elements. While this pelisse sports a fuzzy mohair trim, other popular winter trimmings included velvet, swansdown, and fur.
ProvenancePrior to 1972, Mrs. Harold Edwin Gillespie (Mary Miller Kress) (Richmond, VA); 1972 given to the Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2023-present given to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)