Waistcoat

Art Historical Context

This exquisite waistcoat from early 18th-century Italy exemplifies the opulent fashion of the Baroque era, when men's attire blended functionality with lavish display. Crafted from a luxurious combination of silk, wool, and linen, it reflects the period's emphasis on rich textiles sourced from Italy's renowned weaving centers like Lyon-influenced silk production and local wool trades. Worn as an essential undergarment layered beneath a coat and breeches, waistcoats like this one showcased a gentleman's status through their fine handiwork and vibrant materials. Housed in the Metropolitan Museu...