DS1986-702
Shown:1985-116,1,1985-116,1A and 1985-116,2

Sack, Saque, Robe à la Française

DateCa. 1770

MediumRust-red color silk; linen bodice and sleeve linings; chenille trim; cotton padding in trim

DimensionsLength: 64"; Waist: 26" Textile selvage to selvage: 19"; Pattern vertical repeat: 1 1/2"; Horizontal repeat: 1 5/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1985-116,1

DescriptionWoman's sack back gown in rust color ribbed silk with all-over pattern of small rose sprigs in pink and green supplementary weft. Bodice, designed to be worn with stomacher (missing), is lined with linen and edged with gathered self-fabric trim and chenille. Three hooks and eyes fasten bodice front are probably not original, and there is evidence of later alterations at the waistline. Linen-lined elbow-length sleeves end in triple sleeve ruffles. Skirt, open at front to reveal petticoat, is trimmed with cotton- padded serpentine furbelows from waist to hem. Silk hem lining. Back of gown has deep pleats sewn down 4 1/2" from the neckline and falling freely from the shoulders to hem into a slight train. The bodice back and skirt are cut in one piece. Pocket slits at both sides of skirt. A separate matching bow was probably intended to be worn at the bodice front or in the crook of the elbow.
Photographed from back side.

Technical Notes: Long skirt seams sewn with 4-5 running stitches per inch.
Label TextThe deep pleats falling freely from shoulder to hem were an important feature of the gown known as a "sack" in the eighteenth century. (Sometimes it is also referred to as a "robe a la Francaise.") This example is fashioned of crisp silk taffeta woven with a small rose sprig by means of extra wefts. The gown is trimmed with original self-fabric ruffles and padded furbelows undulating down the front of the skirt.