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DS1985-380
Quilted Petticoat
DS1985-380

Quilted Petticoat

Date1760-1790
OriginEurope
MediumSilk Tabby (Face); Wool Check (Back); Wool batting.
DimensionsLength: 35"; Waist: 31 1/2"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1985-116,2
DescriptionRust color silk petticoat, quilted to orange and natural 1/4" check wool backing. Quilting pattern has a 15" wide border around bottom in large diamonds. All diamonds have various patterns quilted in the centers. Pink worsted extension at the top is pleated to linen tape waistband. Pocket slits at both sides. Red ribbed tape binding.
Label TextCWF Collection
Sack-Back Gown
Silk, linen linings, chenille trim
France
c. 1770
Petticoat
Silk quilted to woolen backing and batting
Europe
1760-1780

The deep pleats falling freely from the shoulder to hem were an important feature of the gown called a "sack-back" or "robe a la Francaise." The style had evolved early in the eighteenth century from the loose wide sack gowns worn at the French court. Variations of the graceful style were recorded in the paintings of the French artist Watteau. The sack-back gown remained popular for almost seventy-five years before gradually going out of style in the last quarter of the 18th century. This example is fashioned of crisp silk taffeta woven with a small rose sprig with extra wefts, a textile often called "lamps" today. The gown is trimmed with original self-fabric ruffles and padded furbelows undulating down the front of the skirt.