The pretty young woman in this painting is possibly Stevens' young wife, Marie who appeared in his other works from the late 1850s to the mid 1860s. This painting dates circa 1859 based on the style of the dress which may be compared to contemporary fashion plates and other period illustrations which show a similar style: a bell-shaped skirt with several wide flounces worn over a crinoline; the relatively high waist, defined by a wide ribbon sash; and the wide sleeves (the lack of under-sleeves is unusual but may be a special feature of this at-home dress). Also, the subject's hair (center-parted, smoothed to the sides, pulled into a low bun on the nape of the neck, and without curls) is typical of the style of the 1850s. The woman is preparing for a tea party and her dress is intended to be worn by a hostess for elegant daytime entertainment at home.

We are grateful to Valerie Steele for providing the information on the sitter's dress and coiffure, and to Professor William Coles for his assistance in preparing the catalogue entry.