Confirmation Family Group – 1833

A woman and a child stand with a young girl who seems to be dressed for her confirmation. The woman on the left wears a long full skirted skirt and jacket of blue satin. The skirt has six horizontal bands of ruched panels. More ruched bands edge the peplum and lapels of the jacket, which is opened in a v and fastened at the front of the waist with a wide blue bow. The sleeves have dropped shoulders and are full at the forearm.

The white blouse beneath has a jewel neckline with multiple lace ruffles, a lace ruffle down the center front, and lace ruffles at the cuffs. Her cap is pink satin with white lace ruffles, black satin ribbon trimming with bows, and binding of black satin ribbon on the long pink lappets. She wears white or pale yellow gloves, and is holding a small white Bible which she is handing to the girl at her side. The girl wears a simple white on white dotted gown, with tucks creating a v on the bodice, a snugly belted waist, and a full skirt.

The long sleeves are full over the forearm, with a band of ruching above the wrist, and are gathered and ruffled at the wrists. She wears white gloves and a white lace kerchief is tied beneath her chin. A long veil covers her head and extends to the floor. Holding her hand is a young boy who is dressed in black and white. He wears short, white lace pantaloons, low white stockings, and ankle length black boots buttoned at the sides. Over this he wears a black tunic with a white scalloped lace collar.

The tunic buttons down the center front, has ruffles on the shoulders, three rows of black on black scalloped trim at the hem, and black braid trimming the center front. The long sleeves are full above the elbow and narrow below. He wears yellow gloves and carries a military style black billed hat under his arm. The group stands in a room with long draperies, a patterned panel with an oval portrait of a man, a quilted red velvet covered piece of furniture, and a red and green carpet.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges