Photograph of a Standing Woman, ca. 1880

This photograph depicts a young woman in the cuirass bodice silhouette that was fashionable from 1878 to 1882. This style bodice fitted closely through the hips. The skirt features a low bustle that decreased in fullness from the bustles of the earlier 1870s. Both bodice and skirt demonstrate the usefulness of the sewing machine in the five ruffles at the sleeve edge, another five ruffles on the lower part of the skirt, and vertical ruchings decorating the middle section of the skirt. The ensemble is trimmed with jet beads and mother of pearl buttons. She carries a folding fan and wears a rosary around her neck. Other accessories include drop earrings, rings, bracelets, and a corsage at her waist.

A similar outfit is included in Joan Severa’s Dressed for the Photographer (Severa 1995: 392). It is dated 1880-81, and the photograph originated in Jaynesville, Wisconsin. The sitter in our photograph is from Hartford, Connecticut.

On the back, underneath the photographer's information, is printed "Duplicates of this Photo can be obtained at a reduced price. It can also be enlarged and finished in India Ink, Water Colors or Life Size Crayon."

Written in pencil on the back: "3/4 Black Eng. 25 no Gilt adjustable easle 50/75"

References

Joan Severa, Dressed for the Photographer: Ordinary Americans and Fashion, 1840-1900. Kent, OH: Kent State University Press, 1995.