Images(4)

Dress, Wedding

Object number2015.21.1 a-c

Date1894

MediumFabric; Metal; Thread; Lace

Credit LineGift of Francesca Colecchia

DescriptionThree-piece wedding dress consisting of bodice, a skirt, and belt. Light brown satin-like ribbed fabric.Dimensions(a) Length 23, Width 22.5;
(b) Length 37.75, Width at waist 11;
(c) Length 25, Width 4.625, Depth 0.125.
Historical NotesThis dress belonged to Maria Donatelli Colecchia of Pescocostanzo (L'Aquila province), Italy. The top, belt, and skirt were worn at her 1894 wedding to Felice Donatelli, also of Pescocostanzo. Maria's father was the mayor of the town and wanted his daughter to marry another man. Defying her father's wishes, she walked down the aisle by herself, a rare occurrence at the end of the 19th century. Shortly after the wedding Felice immigrated to the Bloomfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh and worked as a stationary engineer at an iron foundry. Maria immigrated ten years after him in 1905. The donor, Francesco Colecchia, is the granddaughter of Maria Donatelli Colecchia.

Previous owner Maria Donatelli Colecchia

Related person Felice Donatelli

Subjects