Walking or carriage costume, August 1839

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Walking or carriage costume, August 1839

by G.H., published by Dobbs & Co, published in The Court Magazine and Monthly Critic and Lady's Magazine and Museum
hand-coloured etching, line and stipple engraving, published August 1839
9 3/8 in. x 6 1/8 in. (237 mm x 156 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1930
Reference Collection
NPG D47763

Artistsback to top

This portraitback to top

Described in the magazine:
Dress of grey or drab gros de Naples, ornamented with two very deep flounces: the lower one the deepest. Corsage half-high en coeur, with a flat collar en guipure, attached in front with a large brooch; long cloak mantelet of organdi, lined with pale pink taffetas, and trimmed entirely round with very deep white lace. It may be tied in front with a pink silk cord and tassels. Hat of paille de riz, trimmed with pink, and ornamented at the left side with a full plume of ostrich feathers; underneath the front is a garniture of full-blown roses. The hair is in bands, as far as the temples, the ends braided, and falling low at each side of the face. A gold ferronière crosses the brow and encircles the head. White kid gloves, black varnished shoes.
The second figure gives the back of the dress, and shoes how very much thrown up the point of the bonnet is, as well as the exceeding smallness of the crown, particularly at the top. The dress is rather different, being made without flounces; and the mantelet has, what we consider, a very ugly addition; namely, a kind of square hood at back, trimmed all round with gimp, and finished at each corner by a tassel.

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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