Jacket 17th-18th century

This jacket, made by an anonymous artist, showcases a striking contrast between the red fabric and the complex white embroidery. The embroidery arranges geometric forms into vertical lines that give the jacket structure. The horizontal format of the jacket, emphasized by the broad collar, counters the linear details with a static quality.   The formal interplay between surface design and functionality is fascinating. Note how the embroidery, while ornamental, also appears to serve a structural purpose, reinforcing the shape of the garment itself. This fusion of decoration and utility destabilizes established meanings of dress, asking us to reconsider the function of clothing beyond mere covering. Consider the semiotic system in play here; the red color might symbolize power or status, while the geometric patterns could represent specific cultural codes. Ultimately, this jacket invites us to interpret how clothing can communicate ideas and cultural values.