Description:
Woman's "robe volante" gown with an open robe and matching petticoat made of gold silk damask, pink silk taffeta facing, and a linen bodice lining using silk and linen thread. The garment features double box pleats at back, cuffs (possibly referred to in the 18th century as en raquette) and has no ornamental trim. From about 1710-1790, decorative petticoats were fashionable for wearing under an "open robe," a style of dress that is open across the center front of the skirt. The petticoat could be made to match the dress fabric, such as this example, embroidered, or made of a contrasting solid color. This gown may also be an example of a robe de chambre, an informal gown worn in the early 18th century. The damask has a selvage width of 20 3/4". There is a black thread in the selvage. Vertical repeat of the damask design is 20".

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https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+F.254

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