Woman's Dress (Robe à l'anglaise) with Zone Front

Currently not on view

Woman's Dress (Robe à l'anglaise) with Zone Front

c. 1785-1793

Artist/maker unknown, American?

This dress beautifully illustrates the relaxation of fashion between the American and French revolutions. With wide hoops now reserved for formal occasions, hips were still padded but the silhouette was bouncier and new emphasis was placed on the bosom. To accentuate this shape, dresses with tight-fitting backs, called robes à l'anglaise, were preferred; often made of lightweight cotton, these could be delicately embroidered, as in this open-skirted, trained robe. On the front bodice, satin forms an inverted stomacher called a "zone." Long, tight, shaped sleeves reflect the latest style; the short oversleeves were seen as an exotic reference to the East.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Woman's Dress (Robe à l'anglaise) with Zone Front

Date:

c. 1785-1793

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, American?

Medium:

Indian export fine cotton plain weave with silver foil embroidery in stem and satin stitches; silk satin; sized fine cotton plain weave

Dimensions:

Center back length: 61 inches (154.9 cm) Waist: 22 inches (55.9 cm)

Classification:

Costume (including accessories)

Credit Line:

Gift of Thomas Francis Cadwalader, 1955

Accession Number:

1955-98-9

Geography:

Made in United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view