Gown, Round Gown

Dateca. 1740; remodeled ca. 1750

MediumIvory silk brocaded with silk; cream linen sleeve and bodice lining; cream silk lining; ivory silk facings at front bodice opening.

DimensionsShoulder to hem OL:56" WAIST (outside measurment):27 1/2" SELVAGE width: 20"; Shoulder width: 10 1/2"

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Cora Ginsburg

Object number1989-427

DescriptionWoman's closed-front gown of ivory silk brocaded in pink, purple, and blue flowers and green vines and leaves. Gown has elbow-length sleeves, an open v-shaped front for wear with a stomacher, and a pleated skirt with drop-front panel. The bodice has 2" robings at the front, which would fasten to a stomacher to close the front bodice. These robings run over the shoulders into the back, which has a square-shaped neck edge. The sleeves are slightly pleated at the armseye, and end at the elbow with a 5" cuff that is pleated and narrowed into 1 1/2" on the inside elbows. Back bodice fits closely to the body with sewn down pleats, a style sometimes called "English back". The skirt is attached to the bodice in 1" pleats. The skirt drop-front panel forms 6" openings at either side for stepping into the gown. The drop-front panel ties around the waist with a silk twill tape( a longer cotton twill tape has been added later to the ends of the silk tape).
Label TextMost surviving gowns have skirts that are open at the front to show off a separate decorative petticoat. This example, however, is a "closed robe," in which the skirt is closed all around. A drop panel in the front allows the wearer to step into the gown.
ProvenanceCora Ginsburg.