Online Collections Database

Explore our Collections

Historic Costume | Fine and Decorative Arts

Welcome to our Online Collections Database! Below you will find a searchable database showcasing images and information regarding tens of thousands of items in our online collection. Search using search terms, key words, object names, or names of historical figures to locate specific items, or, peruse at random to enjoy the breadth of collections available for view.

As we continue to digitize collections at GCV&M, more objects will populate this new virtual resource. Please continue to check back, and reach out with any questions!

Questions? Contact our Curatorial Department at (585) 294-8240 or email jjohnson@gcv.org. Interested in donating an object to the collections at GCV&M? Click here to learn more. 

Dress, Christening

Object/Artifact

Infant’s Christening gown made of soft ivory silk satin, trimmed with ivory fly fringe. Entirely hand stitched with off white linen S singles thread. Bodice lined with ivory cotton jean (MID) that has pilled; skirt and sleeves lined with fine ivory Persian with light blue selvages showing through. Front neckline has a double-curved “sweetheart” neckline.Tubular sleeves with cuffs, finished before being tacked to lower armscye of finished bodice. Finished straps with curved ends are attached at back neck; appear to have been stitched to sleeve tops after the baby was inside it. Body and skirt cut in one and fitted to body with sets of released pleats — 3 on either side of front, 1 at each side, and 3 inverted pleats in back. Bottoms of front pleats stitched in place at hem. Elaborate ivory silk loop and fly fringe sewn straight along the edge of cuff and the front opening of skirt; it meanders slightly around the hem.

G2006.154

Bruce and Susan Greene Costume Collection

1760 - 1780

Infant

Christening

gown

ivory

silk satin

hand stitched

linen

cotton jean

light blue selvages

sweetheart neckline

tubular sleeves

ivory silk loop

fly fringe

Help bring history to life

Your tax-deductible donation helps preserve and share history, nature and art for generations to come.