Ball Dress – 1842

Early Victorian Evening Gown and Jacksonian Era High Society Style

This authentic 1842 hand-colored engraving captures a luxurious formal garment worn during the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign. The striking ensemble spotlights an off-the-shoulder light blue ballgown enhanced by a wide lace berthe collar and a vertical row of delicate pink silk ribbon ornaments adorning the center front of the pointed, stiffly structured bodice.

Antique Textile Artistry and Traditional Mid-19th Century Accessories

The voluminous overskirt is elegantly looped on both sides with decorative fasteners to reveal an elaborate pink underskirt trimmed with extensive white needlework detailing at the hemline. Completing the historical portrait, the subject features a traditional ringlet hairstyle under a dark lace-trimmed headpiece, while holding a classic folding ivory fan, providing excellent visual data for textile historians studying historical garment draping techniques.