Sack, Saque, Robe à la Française

Dateca. 1775, remade late 19th century

MediumSilk compound weave; silk fly fringe trim; linen and cotton bodice lining; glazed cotton sleeve lining; cotton padding in robings.

DimensionsTextile: 19 1/2" selvage to selvage. OL: (front) 53"; (back) 61 1/2"; Waist 32"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1955-428,1

DescriptionGown made from heavy quality blue silk taffeta with weft pattern. Gown has open front with loose (sack) back; altered to fit a large woman; gown has tapered, self-fabric ruched robing on bodice, converting to wide padded furbelows from waist to hem and multicolor "fly-fringe". Bodice lining is fitted to body at back beneath the loose outer pleats of the sack back. Pocket slits on both sides. Elbow length sleeves with cascading flounces. Linings: bodice lined with cotton, thread count 40 warps x 36 wefts/ inch.