Photograph of a Young Woman, 1880s

This photograph illustrates the third phase of the bustle silhouette, which featured a high bustle. It became fashionable in 1883. The young woman is standing with her hand resting on a "rock" in the photographer’s studio; this pose clearly shows her bustle. The heavy silk fabric drapes across the front of the skirt and cascades down the back. She would need to wear a wire or horsehair bustle underneath the skirt to provide the support necessary for this silhouette. The bodice extends at the back to cover the layering of the skirt fabrics. Parts of the bodice are made from a voided velvet, which is a common fabric for the decade. She has no train, a style detail which is seen more often in the 1870s. Her bodice has a stand-up collar, a feature consistent with later 1880s fashion. She wears her hair pulled to the back with frizzed bangs.

Printed on the back of the photograph is the following information: "All Portraits by the Instantaneous Process. Jacobs, 255 Westminster St. Providence, R.I. Opposite Grace Church."