Tea gown 1875 - 1885

This tea gown was created by the House of Worth, a prominent fashion house. The gown features a long, flowing silhouette, adorned with delicate embroidery that resembles a serpent. The serpent is a primal emblem with a complex history: it is a symbol that slithers through time. Ancient civilizations revered the snake, associating it with healing, rebirth, and hidden knowledge. Think of the serpent entwined around the staff of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine. Yet, the serpent also embodies temptation and chaos, as seen in the biblical story of Adam and Eve. The serpent's dual nature evokes deep-seated psychological tensions within us. Is it a symbol of life-giving power or a harbinger of destruction? This ambiguity allows for a multi-layered interpretation, and invites us to consider how such symbols acquire emotional resonance. This gown reminds us that symbols are not static; they are constantly evolving, shedding old skins, and acquiring new meanings. The serpent, here, becomes a silent guardian, a subtle reminder of the hidden forces that shape our perceptions.