Woman’s gown

Gown in aqua green gros adorned with lace and embroidery at the neckline, along the opening of the bodice and on the front of the skirt. The embroidery, in polychrome silk and metal yarn, depicts serpentine tendrils clutching bunches of flowers held by ribbons. The bodice, whaleboned at the back, opens up into a broad carré neckline at the front, closed by concealed central lacing, and ends in a blunted point at the front and a full, sharp point at the back.

Small, regular folds descend from the bodice’s seam at the back, imparting breadth to the lower part of the dress. The skirt is rounded and opens at the front onto the (reconstructed) petticoat, continuing at the back with a short train, while the sleeves, en sabot, are narrow down to the elbows.

This gown embodies both trends popular at the time: the robe à l’anglaise and the robe à la française. While the version on display, gathered at the back, is reminiscent of the polonaise, typical of English fashion, its shape could be changed by a system of metal loops into a gown à l’andrienne.

Bequest of Stefano Bardini, 1993.