Late 18th Century Evening Dresses and Gowns

Circa 1792-1795 France High-waisted Round Gown in salmon pink silk with geometric semis dating from the First French Republic. Bustier with large oval neckline finely tightened at the bust by original sliding ties. Long, angled sleeves with mittened ends. Round skirt with large organ-pipe pleats behind, emphasising the V-shaped cut-out at the back of the bustier. Unbleached linen bodice lining with inner tie corset. No lining for the skirt, which has a very large bottom and several pleats at the bottom. The silk with its changing tones has no major flaws apart from a few yellowish halos and some period repairs. Stable condition, collectible only. A very rare piece. Size: Small size corresponding to a 34 France today. This latest example of a pyramid-shaped dress from the very end of the 18th century has its origins in the flounced dresses of the Louis XV period. Here, the hollow pleats in the back are still very high up and represent the last reminiscence of the Watteau-style pleats of the Robes à la française...