Ivory Silk Brocaded Gown
This richly brocaded ensemble illustrates the style of dress worn by women at court. Known as a mantua, the gown consists of a bodice with a train at the back. A very wide petticoat of matching silk completes the ensemble along with a triangle of silk known as a stomacher, in the centre front.
Although considered stylish daywear in the early 18th century, the mantua had become very old-fashioned by the 1750s and was worn only for court dress. Wide hoops were beginning to go out of style, but kept their extreme width at court. To make up for its conservative cut, court dress was always made from the most fashionable as well as expensive fabrics and trimmings. This gown was made from an ivory silk brocaded pattern of stylised flowers and leaves. The motifs are accentuated by colours of the precious metal thread. Such a design is typical of French silk weavers and the fabric was probably imported as this gown was one worn in the English courts. English weavers copied French designs very closely.
Ivory Silk Brocaded Gown
Ivory Silk Brocaded Gown
Court Mantua Kensington Palace 1750-1760 From ArtFund
Court Mantua Kensington Palace 1750-1760 From ArtFund
