Jacket

Dateca. 1790

MediumBlock printed cotton, lined with white tabby linen and checked cotton.

DimensionsOL: 21" Waist approx 23"

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Cora Ginsburg

Object number1991-520

DescriptionWoman's long sleeve jacket made of striped block printed cotton with floral designs on alternating brown and white grounds. Low rounded neckline, untrimmed; long straight sleeves without cuffs. Center-front opening intended to be pinned. Back is shaped by pleating fabric in line with the stripe fabric. Peplum, cut in one piece with jacket, is edged with self fabric pleated ruffle that begins at side hips. Lined with white linen; peplum lined with check cotton in red (faded to pink), blue, and white.
Label TextWoman's Jacket
France, ca. 1790
Block-printed cotton lined with linen and checked cotton
G1991-520, gift of Mrs. Cora Ginsburg
Given the stylish textile and detailing of the ruffled peplum over the hips, this jacket was probably part of a fashionable informal ensemble with a matching petticoat. The peplum in this example is cut in one piece with the bodice and fans out in released pleats below the waist. Because their short length was practical, plain jackets of sturdy materials were also worn by workingwomen.