Man's Waistcoat
Embroidered 1780s; altered 1795–1805
Medium
Front: Silk, satin-weave foundation, embroidered with silk thread in satin, steam and buttonhole stitches and French knots; embroidered fabric covered buttons; silk, twill weave lining; back: linen, plain weave
Dimensions
66.3 × 66.7 cm (26 1/8 × 26 1/4 in.)
Classification
waistcoat (garment)
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
72167
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
European men wore waistcoats, or vests, with jackets and knee breeches. Fashion dictated that the design and color of the waistcoat fabric should contrast with the matching suit. Colorful floral sprigs, bouquets, and leafy vines produce a lively yet elegant pattern. The buttons on this waistcoat are covered with small circles embroidered to match the pattern of the garment’s textile. The back is a plain, inexpensive linen fabric, as it would not be seen when worn under a jacket. The waistcoat ha...
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...