Images(3)

Waistcoat

Date1785-1795

MediumSilk, wood, linen, paper

DimensionsCenter front: 20.25 inches Center back to vent: 22 inches Center back to hem: 26 inches Chest: 38 inches Waist: 32 inches

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2023-29

DescriptionSingle breasted embroidered waistcoat with a small standing collar. The embroidery is made up of zigzags, French knots, and floral sprays. It appears that the waistcoat may have had a printed or inked boarder that marked out the edges and was further incorporated into the overall design. Much of this black boarder is now gone. The pocket flaps in their current state do not function but appear to have pocket bags. The panels of the waistcoat were made with the body right lower skirt section separate and it is pieced on, hidden mostly by the pocket flap. Single layer back panel made from linen. Collar is made from some of the body of the waistcoat as it contains embroidery, but this is found only on one side. The proper right shoulder is pieced from another type of silk that make up the second half of the collar. Center back of the waistcoat adjusted with a buckle in tab, as found on numerous other examples in the Littlepage collection.
Label TextThis waistcoat belonged to Lewis Littlepage of Virginia and was probably worn while he served as a Chamberlain and diplomat to the Court of Poland between 1785-1795.
InscribedInscription written in ink on a piece of cotton and stitched into the neckline "A. Holida"
ProvenanceThis waistcoat was worn by Lewis Little page (1762-1802) who was born in New Kent County, Virginia. Littlepage died in 1802, leaving his small estate to his stepbrother Waller Holladay. The surviving objects passed directly through the Holladay Family until gifted to the Valentine Museum in 1952 by Mr. and Mrs. A. Randolph Holladay II. In 2022, the objects were transferred to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Inventories taken after his death list numerous waistcoats:

"Cloaths of Lewis Littlepage not to be found in his trunk...6 waistcoats - 5 mentioned in Mr. Stevenson's list"

"List of cloathes belonging to Lewis Littlepage thaken from the information of Jacob David Wacker, August 16, 1802....24 waistcoats at least"

"List of cloathes found in the trunk of Lewis Littlepage 19th day of August 1802...18 waistcoats"

"List of cloathes formerly the property of my brother Lewis Littlepage decd taken 31st Janaury 1804...8 waistcoats of different descriptions.....5 waistcoats (Court Dress)."