In this detail, the woman's earring is almost visible, she's apparently wearing a snood, and the pleats and ruffles on her dress are easier to see. The pleating lines draw the eye in such a way as to emphasize the narrow waist and wide shoulders and hips. The dropped shoulder and pleated sleeves add to the effect, including the very full sleeve right at waist level to emphasize the waist's slimness. Original full photo
Detail: Face, Bodice, Sleeve
CDV - Fashion in the Civil War Era
By Jone Johnson Lewis, About.com Guide
On the woman, typical elements include: dark dress, contrasting collar, wide shoulders, hoop skirt, narrow waist, center part, simple hair style.
Unidentified woman and man, Civil War period, Charles W. Eberman studio, Pennsylvania. About 1860-1865.
From an unpublished CDV. Photographer: Charles W. Eberman. Digital image © Jone Lewis 2001.Women and the Civil War
Women and the Civil WarCivil War NursingWomen Spies of the Civil War
