Spotted Muslin Dress

The early nineteenth century was a period of classically styled elegance for young ladies of fashion. The fabrics were lighter in weight, sometimes even transparent, and the dresses were designed with high waistlines and long straight trains to emphasise body curves.

This young lady is therefore keeping up with the latest style in her finely spotted muslin dress with its square décolletage. Her blonde hair is also fashionably cropped with stiff little curls arranged around her forehead.

The portrait is set in a traditional papier-mâché frame with a brass surround and acorn hanger.