10 OF 11

Dinner dress, 1839

10 of 11 portraits matching these criteria:

- subject matching 'Fashion Plates: Undergarments - Stockings'

Dinner dress, 1839

published in The Court Magazine and Monthly Critic and Lady's Magazine and Museum
hand-coloured etching, line and stipple engraving, published March 1839
7 7/8 in. x 5 7/8 in. (200 mm x 149 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1930
Reference Collection
NPG D47753

Artistback to top

The Court Magazine and Monthly Critic and Lady's Magazine and Museum (1837-1847), Magazine. Artist or producer associated with 103 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Described in the magazine:
Costume de Ville - Dinner dress. Dress of cendre de rose satin, corsage made low and quite tight to the bust; short full sleeves in two puffs, or sabots, with ribbons between (see plate) and very deep blonde ruffles à la Louis XIV. The skirt is ornamented with two bouillon trimmings, placed rather distant from each other, at the left side of the dress they form a kind of festoon, and are finished with a large bunch of full blown roses, without either foliage or stalks (see plate). A similar bouquet, but only consisting of four much smaller roses, retains the rich blonde tucker in front of the corsage. The turban is of India muslin wrought in gold, and after forming a thick roll over the brow, hangs down as low as the shoulder on the left side. The hair is in smooth bands and a feronnière crosses the forehead. On the neck is a short gold chain, from which depends a Saint Esprit. Gold bracelets are over the gloves, which are of white kid, with a quilling of satin ribbon at top. White silk stockings, black satin shoes.

Portrait setback to top

Fashion plates, 1770-1869

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.

Tell us more back to top

Can you tell us more about this portrait? Spotted an error, information that is missing (a sitter’s life dates, occupation or family relationships, or a date of portrait for example) or do you know anything that we don't know? If you have information to share please complete the form below.

If you require information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service. You can buy a print of most illustrated portraits. Select the portrait of interest to you, then look out for a Buy a Print button. Prices start at £6 for unframed prints, £25 for framed prints. If you wish to license this image, please use our Rights and Images service.

Please note that we cannot provide valuations.

We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.

* What can you tell us? (Help)

There are occasions when we are unsure of the identity of a sitter or artist, their life dates, occupation or have not recorded their family relationships. Sometimes we have not recorded the date of a portrait. Do you have specialist knowledge or a particular interest about any aspect of the portrait or sitter or artist that you can share with us? We would welcome any information that adds to and enhances our information and understanding about a particular portrait, sitter or artist.

Citation (Help)

How do you know this? Please could you let us know your source of information.

* Permission to publish (Privacy information)

The National Portrait Gallery will NOT use your information to contact you or store for any other purpose than to investigate or display your contribution. By ticking permission to publish you are indicating your agreement for your contribution to be shown on this collection item page. Please note your email address will not be displayed on the page nor will it be used for any marketing material or promotion of any kind.

Please ensure your comments are relevant and appropriate. Your contributions must be polite and with no intention of causing trouble. All contributions are moderated.

Denied Granted

* Your name (Why?)

* Email (Why?)

Contributions are moderated. We'll need your email address so that we can follow up on the information provided and contact you to let you know when your contribution has been published.