Waistcoat c. 1770 - 1785

This waistcoat was carefully crafted from silk, and adorned with delicate embroidery, by an anonymous maker. The pale silk provides a smooth, luxurious ground for the floral motifs. These were stitched using a variety of colored threads – observe the shades of brown, green, and blue that bring the garment to life. The embroidery showcases handwork, and the maker’s mastery of the needle. It’s important to appreciate the immense amount of time required for the waistcoat’s production. Consider the social context of this waistcoat. It would have been worn by a man of means, a member of the upper classes. Garments like this speak to a whole economy of labor, from the cultivation of silkworms to the skilled stitchers who produced such exquisite pieces. It is an example of fine art and craft.