Vest
Unknown Artist
Medium
embroidered
Dimensions
24 3/4 x 17 1/2 in. (62.9 x 44.5 cm)
Classification
Vest
Culture
American
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Accession Number
55.31.7
Art Historical Context
Nestled in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's American Wing, this embroidered vest the artistry of early American textile traditions. Measuring 24 3/4 x 17 1/2 inches (62.9 x 44.5 cm), it is a finely crafted garment whose unknown creator highlights the anonymous skilled hands behind much of America's decorative arts. As a piece of wearable art, it would have adorned the torso, blending functionality with personal expression in everyday or special-occasion attire. The medium of embroidery—stitching threads into fabric to create intricate patterns—underscores the patience and precision of America...