Arkivism
Wedding dress with orange blossom
Public domain

Wedding dress with orange blossom

anonymous · c. 1880 - c. 1885 · machinaal; embroidering; wool; silk; tule

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

Symbolism plays an important part in the decorations for a wedding. From the 19th century onwards a white wedding dress stood for virginity, purity, and innocence. Orange blossom brought happiness and chastity, and was considered indispensable according to contemporary etiquette. Brides, therefore, incorporated orange blossoms, either real or made of wax, in their hair, on their dress, or in their wedding bouquet. In this case orange blossoms made of wax adorn the gown.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description
Credit lineTrouwjurk met oranjebloesem. c. 1880 - c. 1885. anonymous. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.

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