Spencer, petticoat and cap
(c. 1807-c. 1809)
Medium
cotton (plain, tape, voile, muslin, lace)
Measurements
(a) 23.0 cm (centre back) 63.0 cm (sleeve length) (spencer)
(b)105.0 cm (centre back) 31.0 cm (waist, flat) (petticoat)
(c) 28.0 × 26.0 × 20.0 cm (cap)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gift Program, 2025
Gallery location
19th Century European Paintings Gallery
Level 2, NGV International
About this work
Spencers were short jackets designed to be worn over a dress, skirt or petticoat. Their popularity lasted over two decades, reflecting the dominance of the Empire waistline. Typically, the spencer was made in a contrasting darker tone to the undergarment, making this a rare surviving example of a matching spencer and petticoat. While bonnets were worn outdoors, caps were the height of indoor fashion in the Regency era, constructed from lightweight fabrics such as cotton and trimmed with elaborate lace.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
England
Accession Number
2025.732.a-c
Department
International Fashion and Textiles