President Benjamin Harrison's Daughter, Mary Harrison McKee

ID: MAH-38074

Creator: Unknown

Form/Genre: Photographic print

Date: c. 1950s

Citation: Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 53, Folder 4

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Summary

Gown worn by Mary Harrison McKee (1858-1930), Mrs. James R. McKee, daughter of President Benjamin Harrison. The silk brocade gown is of a goldenrod design. The dress is part of the First Ladies' Collection now at the National Museum of American History.

Subject

  • McKee, Mary Harrison
  • National Museum of American History (U.S.) (NMAH)
  • National Museum of History and Technology (U.S.)
  • United States National Museum
  • Arts and Industries Building
  • First Ladies Exhibit

Category

Historic Images of the Smithsonian

Notes

Gowns in the collection were mounted on a plaster figure which were given similar facial features copied from a bust representing Cordelia, daughter of Shakespeare's King Lear, done in 1863 by the sculptor Pierce F. Connelly, of Lousiana. By changing the expression of the eyes of each figure, and by copying the coiffure of the lady to be represented, a varied and interesting appearance was given to the entire group. The coiffure was copied from a photograph, painting, or piece of statuary of the lady whose dress was to be displayed. No attempt was made to portray the person represented, as the artistic task involved made this impractical. For additional information on the collection see the book entitled "The First Ladies Hall" by Margaret Brown Klapthor, Smithsonian Press 1972.

Contained within

Smithsonian Institution Archives, Record Unit 95, Box 53, Folder 4

Contact information

Institutional History Division, Smithsonian Institution Archives, 600 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20024-2520, SIHistory@si.edu

Date

c. 1950s

Restrictions & Rights

No restrictions

Topic

  • Women
  • Artifacts
  • Mannequins (figures)
  • Costume
  • Clothing and dress
  • Exhibitions
  • Gifts
  • First Ladies Gowns
  • History
  • National Collections
  • Museum mannequins
  • Costumes
  • Women--History

Form/Genre

  • Photographic print
  • Object

ID Number

MAH-38074

Physical description

Color: Black and White; Size: 8w x 10h; Type of Image: Object; Medium: Photographic print

Full Record

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