Toilette d'Interieur, September 1839

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Toilette d'Interieur, September 1839

published by Dobbs & Co, published in The Court Magazine and Monthly Critic and Lady's Magazine and Museum, first published in Le Follet, Courrier des Salons, Journal des Modes
hand-coloured etching, line and stipple engraving, published September 1839
7 5/8 in. x 5 7/8 in. (193 mm x 149 mm) paper size
Acquired, 1930
Reference Collection
NPG D47851

Artistsback to top

This portraitback to top

Described in the magazine:
Toilette d'Interieur, or dinner dress. - Dress of crape over satin, the corsage low, coming in folds from the shoulder, and crossed in front. Sleeves tight at top, with three bouillons the remainder full all the way down to the wrist, where they are terminated by a poignet. The skirt of the dress is ornamented with four tucks (cut the cross way), the two upper ones are carried up to the waist, and give the dress the appearance of opening at the side; small dress cap of blonde the head piece and caul is on one piece, cut like a half-handkerchief, with the points taken off, the head piece merely marked by two rows of ribbon, which may be either laid on, or inserted in two tucks. The cap has neither border nor brides (strings). There is a small puff of blonde at each side, as low as the ear, which retains a bunch of roses. Hair in smooth bands; on the neck is a fine hair chain, from which a cross is suspended; white kid gloves, silk stockings, ceinture tied in front.
Standing figure - Cap the same as the one just described, silk dress, low corsage, full sleeve, with two tucks put on at top. Fichu of black blonde or tulle. This fichu is very simple in its make, and only requires a glance at the plate. It is slit about two-thirds down the back, and gathered into a small space (say a finger and half), and sewed together again; a very small piping covers the joining. An incision, beginning from the outer edge, is also made on each shoulder, and straps put on; the back of the fichu is slightly gathered to these straps, but the fronts are plain; the shape of the piece of blonde is that of a half-handkerchief, but it is obvious that it is much deeper at back than at front.

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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