--Update--
OK, I made a muslin of the caftan coat this afternoon. It only took about 30 minutes to do since the pattern I drafted was just a "T" made from my measurements that I'd taken the other day.

front: [link]
back: [link]

let me know what you think of the style and fit.

The front opening will probably be cut away a little less than it is here, since it's gapping a little more than I wanted (though this may be because I'm bustier than the model in the painting). The underarms are also a little restrictive and if i get too annoyed with that I'll splice in some gussets.

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Is this not beautiful? [link]

I was given a bunch of 18th century costume art-books for graduation and this painting was in two of them. I now desperately want to make it (though not a historical replica, just a costume/outfit.)

other angles (same artist, same clothes, other sitters):

[link]
[link]

the costume would consist of the fitted Caftan with a smock and salwar trousers beneath.

I would like to point out that this portrait was done by J-E Liotard, who also did the chocolate girl, my other favorite 18th century portrait.

OK, on top of this I'm sick (swine flu?) and I have to go do a fitting for someone in the morning so I should go beddy-by now.

Oh, anyone got ideas on how the sleeves are cut? Raglan? Another way entirely? Can't quite tell myself.