SARAH ELIZABETH GALLERY - ANTIQUE TEXTILE

Silk Lampas Floral Gown c. 1758 

Silk lampas large scale floral vine pattern museum dated 1758 (written inside the bodice).  Self fabric attached stomacher.  The gown is original except for the muslin underbodice.  Large wing sleeves.  Beautiful pleats in the back of the skirt.  This gown was deaccessioned from the Brooklyn Museum of Art.

A woman's dress during the middle years of the 18th century had really only two options for styling - the flowing Robe a la Francaise and the less formal Robe a l'Anglaise. Luxury and personal taste were reflected primarily in the choice of textile and trimmings. It was a point of contention among many moralists of the day that it was often impossible to tell a well-dressed maid from her mistress, and a beautiful gown like this would not be out of reach for a well-to-do woman of the middle class. However it would probably be her best, for Sundays or a wedding.

This gown is sold.