Embroidered Fabric for a Waistcoat front
1800-15
Medium
Silk, plain weave foundation; embroidered with silk threads in satin and stem stitches with borders worked in diagonal satin stitch; French knots
Dimensions
70.8 × 55.7 cm (27 7/8 × 21 7/8 in.)
Classification
textile
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
26272
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Men’s waistcoats, or vests, were worn with jackets and breeches; the design and color of the waistcoat’s fabric usually contrasted with the matching suit. Because the waistcoat was worn under the jacket, its back was not visible and would be made from a cheaper fabric.
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...