1895
-1897
Apple Green, Red, Yellow, Pink, Blue, White
womans
bodice
[Silk Paper Taffeta]
Overview: This bodice, circa 1895-1897, is made of silk paper taffeta with woven stripes in green apple, bright red, yellow, pink, blue and white. The width of the stripes ranges very narrow pinstripes to 1/4 inch. The bodice is constructed on a foundation of bluish-gray printed cotton. The lining of the sleeve cuff, a pleated insert on the interior of the sleeve, and center front fillers are made of peach colored China silk. The foundation of the bodice closes up center front edge to edge with ten hooks and eyes.
Construction: The bodice is constructed on a foundation of bluish-gray printed cotton. The lining of the sleeve cuff, a pleated insert on the interior of the sleeve, and center front fillers are made of peach colored China silk. For a complete description see supplemental pages.
Trim: See supplemental pages.
Provenance: Found in costume storage in the Department of Dramatic Art and moved into the Costar Collection.
Damage: The peach silk is deteriorating and crumbles at the touch. It is impossible to determine the exact structure it took at center front because only bits of it remain at the neck, waist and under the revers. The striped silk is also deteriorating and is very fragile. The puff portion of the left sleeve is torn and the lining is visible through the fractures. The lace at the wrist is very soiled; however the rest of the garment is fairly free of soil. This is a very delicate garment and should be handled as little as possible.
Tags: Has been studied and reproduced by MFA candidate
