Dress
Clothes for Women
Inventory number
2019.2.1.9ac.CW.DR.C1865.FRDescription
Taffeta dress in "Paris green" colour.The famous "Paris green" or "green of Schweinfurt" met a huge success from its discovery, thanks to its exceptional luminosity. Yet this color proved murderous. In fact, the chemical name of this pigment is "copper aceto-arsenite" and is therefore extremely toxic because of its arsenic content. First it was the carnage among the dyers, then by the regular contact with the skin of the "fashion victim" ladies of the time. It was used from the late 19th century to kill rats in Parisian sewers, hence the common name of "Paris green".
Material
Silk taffetaOrigin
circa 1865 FranceExhibitions History
• 2019.7.14 - 2019.8.31 - "Resort elegance - Vichy 1852-1870", Palais des congrès, Vichy, France• 2019.9.2 - 2019.9.22 - "Invitation to the ball", Hotel de Forceville, Amiens, France
• 2019.10.24–2020.03.28. ‘The Crinoline Lady. From Alexandre Vassiliev foundation collection.’ Fashion Museum, Riga, Latvia.
• 2021.09.17–2021.11.14. ‘To Play To The Gallery. Fashion And Portrait.’ Together with Museum of Art and History, Geneva, Switzerland. Museum of Art and History, Palatine’s room, Geneva, Switzerland.
• 2024.06.11–2024.10.26. ‘A day in the 19th century manor: from morning rituals to banquets. From the collection of Alexandre Vassiliev foundation.’ Daugyvenė museum-reserve of cultural history (Burbiškis Manor), Radviliškis district, Lithuania.
• 2025.05.29–2025.09.28. ‘In the Rhythm of the City. From the collection of Alexandre Vassiliev foundation.’ Daugavpils Museum of Local Lore and Art, Daugavpils, Latvia.