Mother and Son – Winter 1838

A mother and son model their Parisian fashions for November, 1838. The woman wears a long tan pelisse, or fur-lined coat, made of brown on tan Tattersall plaid and trimmed in brown velvet. The trimming is in two bands on the bodice, forming a v that continues on the skirt in a wider band down the center of the coat. Her white lace collar is visible at the neck. The long bell sleeves of the coat are also trimmed in brown velvet. Fur lining is visible inside the sleeves at the hem. The coat is tied at the waist with double cords in tan which end with tassels. She wears a pink bonnet with flowers decorating the inside of the brim and a white silk lace veil with embroidery. She wears yellow gloves, black shoes, and carries a white handkerchief. She looks to her left at a young boy who is ready to play with his rolling hoop. He wears long black trousers with braces, and a red silk blouse. The blouse has dropped shoulders with tucked sections at the top of the sleeves. The full sleeves are gathered into cuffs edged with white pleats. Matching pleats form a ruff collar, and edge the center front. He wears black shoes and a red velvet beret or round cap trimmed with a large white feather. Both outfits have renaissance motifs and to emphasize this point, the artist has placed his figures in front of a blue renaissance style drapery patterned with ignudi, scrollwork, and busts. An ornate valence with tassels, is edged with darker blue.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges