Ball Dress – 1811

Regency Empire Silhouette and Intricate Floral Border Details

This authentic 1811 copperplate engraving from the British publication “La Belle Assemblée” highlights the iconic high-waisted Empire line characteristic of the Jane Austen period. The dancer showcases an elegant white crape festive gown featuring a scalloped sheer overskirt meticulously bordered with pink satin ribband bindings and small yellow blossom clusters accented by fine botanical needlework.

Early 19th Century Evening Gala Coiffure and Dance Costume

The low-cut square bodice layout is mirrored by a braided Grecian hairstyle interwoven with strings of pearls and a hanging tassel ornament. Styled dynamically to suggest movement, the figure is completed with traditional opera-length kidskin gloves, a delicate bead necklace, and classical flat dancing slippers adorned with minuscule decorative front bows, serving as an exceptional visual reference for Regency-era textile conservation.