(ENGLAND)
Spencer
(c. 1819)

Medium
figured silk, plant material

Measurements
39.0 cm (centre back) 67.5 cm (sleeve length)

Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, 1972

Gallery location
19th Century European Paintings Gallery
Level 2, NGV International

About this work

The spencer, a short, high-waisted jacket worn for warmth, is believed to be named after the British Earl Spencer, who reportedly singed off the tails of his coat in the 1790s. A spencer such as this example would have been worn indoors or outdoors with either a dress or petticoat skirt. The spencer was in fashion for the first two decades of the nineteenth century, its cropped length in keeping with the dominance of the Empire waistline.

Artwork Details

Place/s of Execution
(England)

Accession Number
D24-1972

Department
International Fashion and Textiles

This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Professor AGL Shaw AO Bequest

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(ENGLAND) Spencer (c. 1819)

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(ENGLAND)
Spencer
(c. 1819)