Evening Dress – Winter 1826

Ackermann Repository Trage de Tertulia Fashion Plate from 1823

This authentic hand-colored fashion engraving, published on February 1, 1823, originates from Rudolph Ackermann’s celebrated London periodical The Repository of Arts. The illustration introduces an elite social ensemble designated as a “Trage de Tertulia,” a rare Spanish-titled term adopted for refined evening salon gatherings and intellectual artistic circles during the late Regency period. The standing lady models a striking primrose or golden-yellow silk day-to-evening gown, showcasing a tightly tailored natural waistline secured with an ornate patterned metallic belt that contrasts with the traditional high-waisted Empire line of previous decades.

Historical Georgian Salon Wear and Early 19th-Century Millinery Art

The intricate design elements of this 1820s historical costume provide invaluable visual data for antique print collectors and costume curators. The yellow dress is characterized by short, structured melon-shaped puff sleeves with delicate fabric slashing and vertical button rows extending down the entire center front panel. The lower skirt is highly decorated with stylized scalloped satin waves and stuffed rouleaux trimmings. A magnificent, structured yellow open-brim bonnet topped with a sweeping bird-of-paradise feather or ostrich plume crowns her dark ringlet curls, accessorized with formal white opera gloves, a ruby beaded necklace, and a folding hand fan.