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Mrs. Lincoln's Purple Velvet Dress (Daytime Bodice)

This purple velvet dress by Elizabeth Keckley was created for First Lady Mary Lincoln during the 1861-1862 winter social season in Washington, D.C. Keckley designed the ensemble to include a skirt and two bodices -- one for the daytime and one for the evening. The daytime bodice, seen here, features white satin piping and mother of pearl buttons. Keckley, who was born enslaved, frequently designed dresses for Mrs. Lincoln. The two developed both a business partnership during Mrs. Lincoln's time in the White House as well as a friendship during that time. To see the evening bodice, see image 1135054.
Artist
Elizabeth Keckley
Date of Work
1861-1862
Type
Textiles
Credit
National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution
View in the Digital Library

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