Dress c. 1936

Fanchon Larzelere made this watercolor painting of a dress in the late 19th century. It is an exquisite, light blue gown with intricate floral patterns. The dress, with its elaborate bustle and beaded trim, reflects the fashion of the Gilded Age in the United States, a period characterized by rapid economic growth and vast disparities in wealth. Larzelere, born in 1855, lived through this era, and her artwork offers a glimpse into the material culture and social customs of the time. Clothing in this period became a potent symbol of status, mirroring the aspirations and social stratification of the era. The detailed rendering of the dress suggests Larzelere’s keen attention to the visual codes of her society. For historians, understanding the social context of this artwork involves examining sources such as fashion magazines, photographs, and personal letters. These documents can reveal the meanings attached to clothing and the ways in which they were used to negotiate social identities.