Portrait of Bessie Palterson

1964.15.347.jpg

Subject

Photograph

Title

Portrait of Bessie Palterson

Date

ca. 1895

Description

During the Victorian Era, fashions for young girls mimicked the fashion available for adult women. However, there were exceptions to this rule. Until the age of 16 or 17, girls wore short skirts that fell around the mid-calf to ankle length. Additionally, they wore their hair down, instead of up as adult would do. 

The most obvious indication of the date in which the photograph was taken are the sleeves of Bessie's dress. These large, "leg-o-mutton" style sleeves were extremely popular in the 1890's. Other features of style popular in the decade are the high, standing collar and blouson front with a suggestion of wide reverse on the bodice.

albumen on cardboard

Source

Donor: Mabel Etta Streeter Perrin, Maude Ide Streeter Crabbs

Identifier

URI 1964.15.347

Contributor

Christina Adamo

Creator

Adams, 219 Main Street, Pawtucket, R.I.

Charles A. Adams was listed in the Pawtucket City directory in 1894 as having a studio at this address.

Medium

albumen on cardboard

Citation

Adams, 219 Main Street, Pawtucket, R.I. Charles A. Adams was listed in the Pawtucket City directory in 1894 as having a studio at this address., “Portrait of Bessie Palterson,” Historic Textile and Costume Collection, accessed April 26, 2024, https://uritextilecollection.omeka.net/items/show/276.