Design for a Waistcoat
1780-1790
Classification
Drawing
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Jacob H. Schiff
Accession Number
1906-21-191
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Step into the elegant world of late 18th-century fashion with this intriguing *Design for a Waistcoat*, a delicate drawing created between 1780 and 1790. During this era, spanning the American Revolution and the early Federal period, waistcoatsmen's sleeveless vests worn under coats—were essential to formal attire, often showcasing intricate embroidery, rich fabrics, and symbolic motifs that reflected social status and personal style. As part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection gifted by philanthropist Jacob H. Schiff this anonymous work offers a glimpse into the design process...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...