Gown, Italian Gown
DateCa. 1785
OriginEngland
MediumRibbed silk with warp float patterning; 4 different linen linings in bodice and sleeves, all off-white tabby weave.
DimensionsBodiceOL; 19" Waist approx.: 28", if pinned over 1/2"; OL: 53"; Textile selvage width: 19 5/8".
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1976-338
DescriptionGown in two pieces made of deep purple-blue ribbed silk patterned with white supplementary warp warp flowers and lacy meanders. The bodice has low, squared neckline with center front trimmed with 7 buttons on the right side and 6 on the left (one missing), giving the look of a double-breasted bodice front, but without any functional buttonholes. Fitted sleeves are untrimmed, ending just below the elbow and cut to curve over the elbow. Bodice back has seams that curve down to low point below waist at center back. Bodice and sleeves lined with 4 different pieced up linens, all white tabby weave. Bodoce center back seams are constructed by lining each piece separately, then stitching them together, forming slight ridge on the back side. Skirt, cut apart from bodice, consists of 5 widths of silk, some very pieced up, with removed pleats at the top and narrow hem at bottom.ca. 1780
Textile ca. 1740; gown 1770-1776
1740-1760; remade ca. 1780
1770-1780
ca. 1780
1745-1750 (textile); gown ca. 1780, gown remade ca. 1845
1750-1775
1760-1770 (textile); remade late 19th century
1780-1789
1763
ca. 1770; altered 1870-1885.
1795-1800