Man's Waistcoat
Artist/maker unknown, French. Worn by Tench Francis, Jr., American, 1731 - 1800.
Geography:
Made in France, Europe
Date:
c. 1785-1790Medium:
Striped silk velvet with silk chenille embroidered couching, silver thread, and silver sequins: white cotton flannelDimensions:
Center Back Length: 18 1/2 inches (47 cm) Waist: 36 to 37 inches (91.4 to 94.0 cm)Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
1943-17-5Credit Line:
Gift of Mrs. N. Dubois Miller, 1943
Made in France, Europe
Date:
c. 1785-1790Medium:
Striped silk velvet with silk chenille embroidered couching, silver thread, and silver sequins: white cotton flannelDimensions:
Center Back Length: 18 1/2 inches (47 cm) Waist: 36 to 37 inches (91.4 to 94.0 cm)Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1943-17-5Credit Line:
Gift of Mrs. N. Dubois Miller, 1943
Explore the Collections
The shape of waistcoats changed as the eighteenth century progressed, with skirts becoming shorter and eventually disappearing. Made to either match or complement the coat and breeches, luxurious fabrics and decoration were used only where they would be seen; backs were made of plain fabrics such as linen or warm wool. These three examples show some of the variety of embellishments—including silk and metallic embroidery, glittering spangles, and quilting—that would have bedecked a fashionable man's waistcoat.
