Christening Robe c. 1936

Ella Josephine Sterling's "Christening Robe" is a pencil drawing created in 1936 depicting a christening gown and its details. The artwork is comprised of a full-length illustration of the gown and several smaller drawings highlighting the intricate lace trimming. The fine detail of the garment's design, particularly the lacework, suggests the gown was a treasured heirloom. The artist captures the delicate beauty of the piece, which would have been a significant part of the religious ceremony. Sterling's drawing exemplifies the enduring tradition of hand-crafted christening gowns in the mid-20th century.