Vest van I.J.A. Gogel c. 1789 - 1814

This waistcoat, owned by I.J.A. Gogel, is made from a plain weave fabric, embroidered with silk. The fabric itself is a testament to complex labor systems. The cultivation of silk, the spinning of the threads, and the weaving of the cloth would involve many different hands. And that’s before considering the embroidery, with its delicate floral patterns, which would have demanded further hours of meticulous work. It's important to remember that a garment like this was not just a functional item but a status symbol. By wearing it, Gogel publicly displayed his ability to afford such a finely crafted piece. This waistcoat speaks volumes about the social context of its time, where clothing was both an expression of personal identity and an indicator of one's place in the social hierarchy. By focusing on the materials and the making, we gain a deeper understanding of the garment's cultural significance. It reminds us to look beyond the surface and consider the stories embedded within the threads.