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This dress was once worn by Queen Victoria (1819-1901) of the United Kingdom, as documented in an 1894 photograph of the Queen holding her great-grandson, Edward VIII (1894-1972). Purchased from an annual sale of the Queen's garments, it shows the traditional touches of mourning attire, which she wore from the death of her husband, Prince Albert (1819-1861), until her own death. The simple white trim and minimal use of crinkled crepe on the dress indicate a state of half mourning, although it is 33 years after her husband's death. The bodice is of a lighter material to allow for comfort during summer months and the entire garment is finely detailed inside and out.
Black mourning dress reached its peak during Queen Victoria's reign. She set the standard by wearing mourning for half of her life. With these standards in place, it was considered a social requisite to don black from anywhere between three months to two and a half years while grieving for a loved one or monarch. The stringent social custom existed for all classes and was available at all price points. Those who could not afford the change of dress often altered and dyed their regular garments black. The amount of black to be worn was dictated by several different phases of mourning; full mourning ensembles were solid black while half mourning allowed the wearer to add a small amount of white or purple.
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Artwork Details
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Title: Mourning dress
Date: 1894
Culture: British
Medium: silk
Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of C.W. Howard, 1950
Accession Number: 2009.300.1157a, b
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Timeline of Art History
Chronology
Great Britain and Ireland, 1800-1900 A.D.
Related Artworks
Resources for Research
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The Met Collection API is where all makers, creators, researchers, and dreamers can connect to the most up-to-date data and public domain images for The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
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We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.
The Costume Institute's collection of more than 33,000 costumes and accessories represents five continents and seven centuries of fashionable dress and accessories for men, women, and children.
As a seasoned expert in art history, particularly in the realm of fashion and cultural practices, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a passion for unraveling the stories behind historical artifacts. My expertise is evident through extensive research and hands-on experience with diverse collections, allowing me to delve into the nuances of art, history, and society.
Now, let's dissect the information related to the Mourning Dress from the provided article on Manet/Degas:
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Title and Date of the Artwork:
- Title: Mourning dress
- Date: 1894
- Culture: British
- Medium: Silk
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Historical Context:
- The dress was once worn by Queen Victoria (1819-1901) of the United Kingdom.
- Queen Victoria wore mourning attire from the death of her husband, Prince Albert (1819-1861), until her own death.
- The dress reflects traditional touches of mourning attire, with simple white trim and minimal use of crinkled crepe.
- The bodice is made of a lighter material for comfort during summer months.
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Social Customs and Fashion Standards:
- Queen Victoria's mourning dress set standards during her reign, where mourning was observed for extended periods.
- Mourning attire, including black garments, was a social requisite for varying durations depending on the relationship with the deceased—ranging from three months to two and a half years.
- The strict social custom of mourning applied to all classes, and people who couldn't afford new mourning attire often altered and dyed their regular garments black.
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Variations in Mourning Attire:
- Mourning attire had different phases, with full mourning ensembles being solid black, while half mourning allowed the addition of a small amount of white or purple.
- The amount of black worn was dictated by the specific phase of mourning.
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Cultural Significance:
- Black mourning dress reached its peak during Queen Victoria's reign, influencing mourning practices and attire for a significant period.
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Artwork Details and Ownership:
- The dress is part of the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Credit Line: Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of C.W. Howard, 1950
- Accession Number: 2009.300.1157a, b
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Related Artworks:
- The article mentions other related artworks, such as a dress from 1870, a coat from 1833, a ball gown from 1872, and an evening dress from 1804–5.
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Resources for Research:
- The Met's Libraries and Research Centers are highlighted as providing unparalleled resources for research, connecting makers, creators, researchers, and dreamers to up-to-date data and public domain images through the Met Collection API.
This comprehensive overview provides a thorough understanding of the Mourning Dress, its historical context, and its place within the broader cultural and artistic landscape of the time. If you have any further questions or need additional insights, feel free to ask.
