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Empire Gown Collection

The empire gown, popularized during the early 19th century, was a fashion statement that exuded elegance and grace

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Madame Saint-Ange Chevrier, 1807. Creator: Louis Leopold Boilly

Madame Saint-Ange Chevrier, 1807. Creator: Louis Leopold Boilly
Madame Saint-Ange Chevrier, 1807

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Fancy Ball Dress), 1820. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Fancy Ball Dress), 1820. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Fancy Ball Dress), 1820. Not from Ackermann's Repository of Arts: instead from La Belle Assemblee, in which the plates were dated one month ahead, so this one reads August 1820

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Dinner Dress), 1825. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Dinner Dress), 1825. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Dinner Dress), 1825

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1815. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1815. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1815

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Carriage Costume), 1822. Creator: John Bell

Fashion Plate (Carriage Costume), 1822. Creator: John Bell
Fashion Plate (Carriage Costume), 1822

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1822. Creator: John Bell

Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1822. Creator: John Bell
Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1822

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Indoor Morning Dress), 1812. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Indoor Morning Dress), 1812. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Indoor Morning Dress), 1812

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Evening Full Dress), 1812. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Evening Full Dress), 1812. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Evening Full Dress), 1812

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1826. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1826. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1826

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1826. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1826. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1826

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1825. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1825. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1825

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Dinner Dress), 1825. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Dinner Dress), 1825. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Dinner Dress), 1825

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1824. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1824. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1824

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Opera Dress), 1824. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Opera Dress), 1824. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Opera Dress), 1824

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Full Dress), 1823. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Full Dress), 1823. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Full Dress), 1823

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1823. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1823. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1823

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1823. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1823. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1823

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1822. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1822. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1822

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1818. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1818. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1818

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1818. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1818. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1818

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1818. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1818. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1818

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1818. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1818. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1818

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Carriage Dress), 1818. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Carriage Dress), 1818. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Carriage Dress), 1818

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Parisian Ball Dress), 1817. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Parisian Ball Dress), 1817. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Parisian Ball Dress), 1817

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1817. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1817. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1817

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1817. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1817. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1817

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1816. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1816. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1816

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Carriage Dress), 1816. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Carriage Dress), 1816. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Carriage Dress), 1816

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Ball Dress), 1816. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Ball Dress), 1816. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Ball Dress), 1816

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1816. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1816. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1816

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Evening Half Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Evening Half Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Evening Half Dress), 1814

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1814

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1814

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1814

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Full Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Full Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Full Dress), 1814

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1814

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Opera Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Opera Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Opera Dress), 1814

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1814

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1814

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1814. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1814

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1813. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1813. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1813

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Full Dress), 1813. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Full Dress), 1813. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Full Dress), 1813

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Morning Walking Dress), 1813. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Morning Walking Dress), 1813. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Morning Walking Dress), 1813

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1812. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1812. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1812

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1812. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1812. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Promenade Dress), 1812

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1812. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1812. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Morning Dress), 1812

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1812. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1812. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Walking Dress), 1812

Background imageEmpire Gown Collection: Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1827. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann

Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1827. Creator: Rudolph Ackermann
Fashion Plate (Evening Dress), 1827



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The empire gown, popularized during the early 19th century, was a fashion statement that exuded elegance and grace. Inspired by the classical styles of ancient Greece and Rome, this dress became synonymous with sophistication and refinement. One notable wearer of the empire gown was Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma. In her portrait painted by Jean-Francois Ribault in 1810, she epitomizes regal beauty in this timeless attire. The delicate drapery and high waistline accentuate her slender figure, while the flowing fabric adds an ethereal touch to her overall appearance. Another influential figure who embraced the empire gown was Madame Rejane. Captured in Aubrey Beardsley's half-length portrait from 1894, she radiates confidence and poise as she dons this fashionable ensemble. The simplicity of the design allows her natural charm to shine through effortlessly. The it also found its way into American society during the early 19th century. Mrs. Klapp (Anna Milnor) and Olivia Simes Morris both wore variations of this style in their portraits by Thomas Sully and James Peale respectively. These women embody a sense of refined femininity as they showcase their elegant dresses with pride. Jacob Eichholtz's portraits of Miss Schaum and Mrs. Benjamin Schaum capture two different interpretations of the empire gown from 1808/10. While Miss Schaum exudes youthful innocence with soft pastel hues adorning her dress, Mrs. Benjamin Schaum opts for a bolder color palette that reflects her confident personality. Eleanor Margaret Gibson-Carmichael's portrait by Henry Raeburn showcases yet another variation on this iconic garment from 1802/03 Scotland. Her richly patterned empire gown speaks volumes about her status as a woman of taste and influence during that era. Even actresses like Miss O'Neill embraced this trend on stage when portraying Juliet in 1816.