Waistcoat

Dateca. 1700

MediumTabby linen embroidered with yellow silk through linen backing.

Dimensions"Textiles & Costumes from the Permanent Collection", DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, Summer 1986, like four to six months

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1985-230,a-f

DescriptionUnmade fragmentary sleeved waistcoat for a man, with unfinished embroidery in yellow silk in a design of exotic flowers and scrolling leaves, with a background of back-stitch vermicelli lines. The pieces consist of two upper sleeves and two under sleeves (these would be sewn together to form two complete sleeves) and two back pieces for a long, sleeved waistcoat. The unfinished needlework retains the inked designs on the front. Stitches: back, satin, buttonhole, chain, eyelets, and closely-spaced herringbone. Shape of two back pieces corresponds closely to sleeved waistcoat number 1991-478.

a) - right upper sleeve
b) - right under sleeve
c) - left back
d) - right back
e) - left upper sleeve
f) - left under sleeve
Label TextBack and Sleeves from Man's Unfinished Waistcoat
England, ca. 1700
Linen, silk embroidery
1985-230, a-f
Ink outlines are still visible where the embroidery was not completed. The more highly decorated fronts are missing.

Exhibition(s)