3 OF 5

'Opera Dress', March 1829

3 of 5 portraits matching these criteria:

- subject matching 'Fashion Plates: Influences - Egyptian influence'

published by Rudolph Ackermann, published in R. Ackermann's Repository of Fashions
hand-coloured etching, line and stipple engraving, published 1 March 1829
8 in. x 4 3/8 in. (204 mm x 110 mm) paper size
acquired unknown source, 1930
Reference Collection
NPG D47642

Artistsback to top

Rudolph Ackermann (1764-1834), Publisher. Artist or producer associated with 96 portraits, Sitter in 1 portrait.
R. Ackermann's Repository of Fashions (1829-), Periodical published by Rudolph Ackermann. Artist or producer associated with 24 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Described in issue number 3 of the magazine:
White tulle dress, over a white satin slip; the body en draperie, regulated in the centre by a perpendicular white satin rouleau; the drapery rises in a point from the waist, and spreads very full, in small regular folds, across the bust as far as the shoulders, which are a good deal displayed; the sleeves being placed low, they are very large to the wrist, where they are terminated by broad gold Egyptian bracelets, confining the white kid gloves. In the centre of the bust is an elegant Egyptian brooch, with pendant drops, corresponding in delicate workmanship with the ear-rings, which are also of gold; the skirt has tucks to within a quarter of a yard of the waist, they are placed close to each other, and are about a finger's length in depth; the fulness of the skirt is principally at the back, but it is slightly continued at the front and sides. White satin sash. Large black velvet hat, with a white satin bow, just within the brim on the left side; a plume of white ostrich feathers placed behind, are arranged with the greatest taste; one extends to the front, where it is attached to the crown, and turned for the end to play freely; a second is fastened to the top of the crown, twisted, and falls over to the front; two more, twisted half way, fall gracefully towards the right shoulder. Cloak of striped lilac satin, with an elegant border, formed by a perpendicular embroidered sprig being placed between each stripe; the cloak is wadded, and lined with white satin, and fastened by a gold-colour silk cord and tassels; it has a large square collar, and a larger square cape, reaching below the elbow. White satin shoes.

Portrait setback to top

Fashion plates, 1770-1869

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1829back to top

Current affairs

Metropolitan police force of over three thousand paid, uniformed, professional policemen founded by Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel.
Roman Catholic Relief Act grants emancipation; Catholics admitted to vote, sit in parliament and hold almost all public offices.

Art and science

Success of George Stephenson's Rocket steam engine at Rainhill Trials.
First London bus service licensed; the new 'box-on-wheels' contributes greatly to the expansion of the suburbs.
Apsley House completed for the Duke of Wellington by Benjamin Wyatt.
First Oxford and Cambridge boat race.

International

Andrew Jackson is elected President of the United States.

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