Christening Dress

Date1838-1860

OriginScotland (probably); worn in America, New York

MediumThin white tabby cotton, embroidered with satin stitch and eyelets with insertions of cotton needle lace.

DimensionsOL: 42" W(AT HEM): 35"

Credit LineBequest of Miss Martha B. D. Spotswood.

Object number1981-219

DescriptionInfant's long gown of fine white tabby cotton embroidered with white cotton in a floral and scrolling leaf design in white satin stitch and eyelets, with insertions at flower centers of hand-worked needle net. Gown has wide low neckline, adjusted with a drawstring, sloping from insets at the top of the shoulder; short, ruffled sleeves. Bodice has center front triangular shape created by a continuous ruffle running from shoulders down to waist, widening out into the full skirt down to hem. Full skirt gathered to bodice with carefully guaged pleats from fabric folded down 1/2" to the inside of the dress. Back has ruffle continuing from front and center back opening fastened with neck and waist drawstrings. Fullness concentrated at center back.
ProvenanceEx. Coll. Spotswood family. History on typed label states, "In 1838 Miss Isabella Lenox of New York gave it to be used by Susanna Harrison Devereux. Spotswood collection."