Coat

Date1800-1840

MediumWool cloth embroidered with silk through linen backing; silk twill lining; tabby linen pockets.

DimensionsOL: 44 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-650

DescriptionMan's court presentation coat of purple-brown wool broadcloth, embroidered to form on collar, down fronts, on cuffs, and around pocket flaps. Embroidery is worked with silks in floral design in pastel blues, greens, yellow, coral, peach and ivory. Coat has shaped, curved front, three-inch standing collar, cuffs, functional pockets and shaped flaps, vented and pleated skirts. Lined with twill cream color silk, with tabby linen pockets. Embroidery is worked through woolen cloth and a backing of tabby linen. For matching waistcoat, see 1960-651.
Label TextThis dark wool ensemble in the style of the eighteenth century is typical of nineteenth-century court presentation suits. The coat and matching waistcoat are decorated with professional silk embroidety in colorful flowers that rival those in the best country garden. Men's formal clothing retained old-fashioned features long after everyday styles had changed.
ProvenancePurchased from Bedfordshire dealer, who considered the coat English.