Who painted Walking Dress print?

Walking Dress print was painted by Unknown in 1813.

Where can I see Walking Dress print?

Walking Dress print is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Walking Dress print?

Walking Dress print is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Walking Dress print

Unknown , 1813

Walking Dress print is a print by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1813 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This hand‑coloured fashion plate, dated 1 May 1813, depicts a full‑length woman’s walking dress.

About this work

Overview

This hand‑coloured fashion plate, dated 1 May 1813, depicts a full‑length woman’s walking dress. The illustration shows a richly detailed gown adorned with floral motifs and lace, complemented by a large hat and a parasol. The print is a typical early‑nineteenth‑century fashion illustration, intended to showcase contemporary attire for promenading.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is presented as an idealised example of genteel outdoor wear, emphasizing elegance and practicality for walking. The decorative elements—flowers, lace trim, and a wide‑brimmed hat—signal a fashionable yet modest aesthetic, reflecting the period’s concern with propriety while allowing for personal ornamentation.

Technique & Style

Executed as a hand‑coloured print, the plate combines line engraving with delicate watercolor washes, a common method for disseminating fashion trends before photography. The chiaroscuro effect, achieved through subtle shading, gives the fabric a sense of depth and texture, while the vivid pigments highlight the dress’s intricate patterns.

History & Provenance

The plate bears a handwritten note linking it to the celebrated actress Ellen Terry (1847–1928), who annotated the image and recorded that she wore the dress for a role she termed “Peppy= Success.” Correspondence confirms Terry’s active involvement in costume design, suggesting the 1813 illustration served as a source of inspiration for her stage wardrobe.