Skip to Main Content

Due to required maintenance, some galleries and artwork may be off view. Learn more.

Open today: 10am-5pm

c. 1868-1869

Girl's Trained Dress and Bust Pads

Artist/maker unknown

Image 1 of 21 / 2

Martha Griffith wore this very unusual dress when she was about two years old. It is a perfect miniature version of a typical adult woman’s day dress of the 1860s—not a party dress or costume. It’s not known why Martha’s parents chose to dress her like a grown-up, complete with a trained skirt and even small pads to fill out the bodice’s double darts.

This record is part of an ongoing effort to share accurate and evolving information. If you notice anything we should improve, we welcome your feedback at [email protected]

Images on this site are shared for educational use. For image rights, permissions, or to learn more about image rights and access, email [email protected]

Artist/maker unknown, Girl's Trained Dress and Bust Pads, c. 1868-1869 | Philadelphia Art Museum