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Ball dress and visiting or walking dress, 1839

1 of 7 portraits matching these criteria:

- subject matching 'Fashion Plates: Bodices - Corsages à la Grecque'

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Ball dress and visiting or walking dress, 1839

published in The Court Magazine and Monthly Critic and Lady's Magazine and Museum
hand-coloured etching, line and stipple engraving, published June 1839
7 7/8 in. x 5 7/8 in. (200 mm x 149 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1930
Reference Collection
NPG D47759

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Described in the magazine:
Dress of crape over satin. Corsage à la Grecque, looped down in front, and upon each shoulder with cameos (see plate). The ceinture is formed by the dress itself, being merely set in the two small rouleaux of satin which mark the waist; this kind of ceinture is not adapted to any thing but crape, as it would effectually destroy the elegance of the form of the waist. Sleeves à l'enfant, perfectly plain and as short as possible, with a turned-up cuff, edged with a narrow blonde. A deep hem marked by a very small liséré, is at the bottom of the skirt, and just above it, a light running border of flowers is embroidered in floss silks. Coiffure à la jeune personne, (see plate); the hair, all of a length, is parted down the centre of the head and taken to the back, where it is formed into braids, which are fastened up in coils like a serpent; a drooping branch of lilac is over the left ear, pearl necklace, demi-long mittens made of black silk netting. Bouquet.
Second Figure. - Grande Toilette de Visites or Promenade. - Drawn capotte of crape, trimmed with the same, and ornamented with flowers. The front is very open and round to the face, coming low at the sides where it is rounded (see plate): the crown is small and sits very flat; the trimming is nearly similar to that of the bonnets in the other plate [see D47758], with the exception of the flowers being placed differently, they form a small bouquet at the left side of the crown, and crossing the front droop over the opposite side of the passe (front) of the capotte; the brides or strings are of crape. Dress of lilac gros de Naples, with one immensely deep flounce at bottom. Shawl of soie glacé (shot silk), lined with amber silk, and trimmed with deep white lace; white kid gloves.

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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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