Description
In the 18th century designs for textiles were often drawn by professionals trained in floral painting. Designs for waistcoats usually show the lower edge of the garment from the pocket to the hem, indicating to both embroiderer and client all of the motifs included in the pattern. This drawing is inscribed with number 654. Such numbers helped the merchant and makers identify patterns and prices when a client selected a pattern.
Provenance
Elinor Merrell (died 1993), Elinor Merrell Antiques, New York, by 1968 [incoming receipt RX6771, Nov. 26, 1968; copy in curatorial object file]; sold to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1968.
Pocket Designs for Men's Embroidered Waistcoats
1770–1810
Accession Number
30394
Medium
Opaque watercolor and graphite with pen and brown ink on cream laid paper
Dimensions
17.5 × 18.3 cm (6 7/8 × 7 1/4 in.)
Classification
design
Credit Line
Purchased with funds provided by Louise Lutz in honor of Mildred Davison