Empire Figured Silk Sarsanet Evening Gown, ca. 1810
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- €2.250,00
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- €2.250,00
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The Empire period, spanning roughly from 1800 to 1815, was a time of neoclassical elegance in fashion, inspired by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Women's clothing embraced a high waistline just beneath the bust, flowing silhouettes, and lightweight fabrics that emphasized grace and simplicity. This style reflected the political and cultural shift following the French Revolution, favoring natural beauty and refined restraint over the ornate excesses of the previous century.
This Empire Figured Silk Sarsanet Evening Gown, dating to around 1810, is a superb example of the era’s aesthetic. It features cross-over panels at the bodice front and gentle gathers at the back, creating a soft, column-like silhouette. The empire waistline is accented with a ribbon band, and the neckline fastens at the rear with buttons. Long sleeves end in slightly flared cuffs, and the hem is trimmed with a plush band in yellow and ivory tones. The bust measures approximately 81 cm (32 inches), and the antique gown is in excellent condition.
The fabric - sarsanet (also spelled sarsnet or sarcenet) - is a lightweight silk often woven with delicate decorative motifs. Here, it’s paired with silk satin to create a subtle contrast in texture and sheen.
Included with the antique dress is a 19th-century brooch (likely younger than the dress itself), and a matching Empire blouse featuring a high standing collar and a back closure with hooks, eyes, and a ribbon tie. The blouse is also beautifully preserved.