Attributed to House of Worth, 1914
Donated by the estate of Minnie Cassatt. This court gown was created for Mrs. (Minnie) Robert Kelso Cassatt by the House of Worth for her presentation to the last court in Berlin, April, 1914. The material was especially woven in her colors, white brocade with silver flowers. He also created an accompanying kneeling pad of royal blue velvet, with a central panel of silver organza, covered with silver-embroidered lace. Charles Worth was a master at designing court presentation gowns for the wealthy new industrialist class who were active in the social worlds of Europe and the United States. His talent, continued by his House after his death, was his ability to design unique and sumptuous gowns within the dress restrictions of the presentation ceremony. The silk tulle straps and sleeves illustrate the fragile nature of silk, especially when used to support heavy embellishment. Minnie Cassatt, a member of the Drexel family, was married to the nephew of painter Mary Cassatt.
number 2994