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Ball dresses, 1839

15 of 70 portraits matching these criteria:

- subject matching 'Fashion Plates: Bodices - Corsages à pointe'

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Ball dresses, 1839

published in The Court Magazine and Monthly Critic and Lady's Magazine and Museum
hand-coloured etching, line and stipple engraving, published February 1839
9 3/8 in. x 6 1/8 in. (237 mm x 156 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1930
Reference Collection
NPG D47752

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Described in the magazine:
Ball Dresses - Dress of white crape over satin. The corsage is à pointe, with folded draperies going all round the bosom (see both figures in plate); it will also be perceived that the back of the corsage has a very short point. The sleeves are very short and exceedingly full. The skirt of the dress is en tunique. At the right side it is rounded off, and at the other, turned back, and retained with an ornament or bouquet. The right side of the skirt is trimmed with a full puffing, edged with a guirlande of full-blown roses, with foliage. It will be perceived that the puffs are quite small at the waist, and gradually increase in size as they go down. The front hair is in long ringlets at the sides, very much parted on the brow, and intermixed with a quantity of flowers. A rouleau of velvet, with a string of pearls rolled over it, entirely encircles the head, and mixes with the rouleaux of hair at the back, which are arranged à la Grecque (see plate). White kid gloves, trimmed with swan's down. White satin shoes.
Sitting Figure - Coiffure the same as the other. Dress of satin.

Events of 1839back to top

Current affairs

The Bedchamber crisis strains relations between the government and the monarchy, after Queen Victoria refuses to dismiss her Whig-appointed ladies of the bedchamber at the request of the new, Conservative Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel. Peel resigns and Melbourne returns as Prime Minister.
The Grand National is first held at the Aintree race course, won by the horse Lottery, and the first Henley Royal Regatta, the rowing event, is held on the Thames.

Art and science

The French and British scientists Louis Daguerre and William Henry Fox Talbot separately publicise their experiments with the new form of photography.
The prolific journalist Harriet Martineau publishes her three decker novel Deerbrook, the story of middle class country life.

International

The first Opium War with China is sparked after the British government refuses to try six British soldiers accused of killing a Chinese man protecting a temple from looters. Relations were strained as Britain had promoted the drug opium in China to boost trade. Winning the war, Britain secured vital trading rights.
African captives aboard the Spanish ship La Amistad revolt, resulting in a highly publicised court case.

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