Dress

Art Historical Context

This elegant silk dress from 1860–65 exemplifies-19th-century American during the Civil War era. Crafted luxurious silk—a fabric often imported and reserved for the affluent—it reflects the era's emphasis on opulent textiles despite wartime fabric shortages. The garment's survival offers a glimpse into the lives of upper-class women, who maintained elaborate styles amid national turmoil, with full skirts supported by hoops and intricate detailing showcasing the craftsmanship of American dressmakers. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, this piece highlights the cultur...