Sack, Saque, Robe à la Française

Date1760-1770

MediumSilk Brocade (Textile); Silk Threads (Construction); White Silk (Skirt Lining); White Linen (Bodice Lining)

DimensionsGown Length: 60"; Petticoat Length (Center Front): 35 1/2"; Stomacher Length: 13"; Stomacher Width: 9 1/2"

Credit LineGift of Tasha Tudor.

Object number1999-247,A-C

DescriptionA. Sack-Back Polonaise Gown of cream silk striped textile brocaded with small rose sprigs and floral bunches scattered over stripes. Open front to reveal stomacher and petticoat (B & C). Opening edged with two verticle rows of ruched self fabric which end in a point at waistline. Elbow length sleeves trimmed with triple ruffles with pinked edges. Sack back with slight train. Bodice lined with cream linen; skirt faced with cream silk. Pocket openings in both sides of skirt. Buttons positioned at waist under pleats for polonaise.

B. Petticoat pleated to tape waistband, with extended fabric casings at hips. Replaced panel of silk at center back. Petticoat front trimmed with wide flounce and ruched band at hem.

C. Stomacher shaped wider at top, trimmed with self fabric ruching. No lining.

Construction History:
1. Textile: ca. 1750
1. Initial Construction 1770-1780
2. Unknown Date: Likely was originally a traditional sack-back gown and was later altered to be worn as a polonaise. Dart added to narrow waist further.
3. Unknown Date: Alteration to skirt requiring an additional panel of silk to be added to petticoat center back.
4. Petticoat pleated to tape waistband and additional fabric casings added to hips
5. Stomacher altered
6. Has been patched and repaired in several areas
ProvenanceFrom the collection of Tasha Tudor.