Dress (open robe, petticoat and fichu)
1795-1796
Medium
cotton (chintz, muslin, jacquard, lace), silk
Measurements
(a) 129.0 cm (centre back) 30.0 cm (waist, flat) (open robe)
(b) 111.0 cm (centre back) 35.0 cm (waist, flat) (petticoat)
(c) 15.0 × 182.0 cm (sash)
(d) 52.0 × 136.0 cm (fichu)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gift Program, 2025
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
This open robe is made from Indian chintz, an imported textile either handpainted or block-printed. By the late eighteenth century, Indian chintz was not just a commodity, it was also a symbol of global trade, colonial expansion, wealth and cosmopolitan identity in Europe. This gown has been styled with a neckerchief, called a fichu, that was tucked into the low neckline for modesty. The sleeves are finished with detachable layers of cotton or muslin that could be removed for washing.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
England
Accession Number
2025.737.a-d
Department
International Fashion and Textiles