Images(7)

Nightgown

Object number2016.13.3

Artist Rosalia Mazzotti

Date1900-1910

OriginMontecorvino Pugliano, Salerno, Italy

MediumFabric

Credit LineGift of Norina H. Daubner

DescriptionOff-white fabric nightgown. Handmade. Two wide shoulder straps. Cutwork embroidery around bodice and along bottom edge, both in floral patterns.DimensionsHeight x Width (at skirt bottom): 43.75 × 27 in. (111.1 × 68.6 cm)
Historical NotesThe donor Norina H. Daubner's family saved biancheria, or linenware, from her maternal grandmother, Rosalia “Rose” Mazzotti, in a trousseau, also known as a corredo in Italian. Both sides of the donor’s family emigrated from the village of Montecorvino Pugliano outside Salerno. It is presumed that the tablecloths, shams, runner and nightgown were created as a part of a dowry per the Italian marriage tradition; this assumption is based on the quality of the stitching and the use of the greeting Buon Giorno on the bedding. Italian women began the process of building their corredo as children (some women even grew the flax that they then wove into linen). Based on the size of the table cloths, it is also assumed that the pieces were made in Italy as the donor relayed that the table in their East Liberty dining room was much too small to accommodate such a large linen. It was typical for Italian immigrants to migrate with their handwoven linens. Both tablecloths are an example of cutwork embroidery and have staining that is evidence of use. The woven table cover with crocheted detailing is less formal than the other linens; it is assumed that this would have been used as an everyday linen.

Previous owner Rosalia Mazzotti

Related person Rose Rinaldy

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