Images(3)

Waistcoat

Original OwnerOriginally owned by Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth (American, 1743 - 1804)

Date1784

MediumHand-stitched silk with silk embroidery; lined and backed with plain-weave linen; wooden button molds covered with silk

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center back length x width across bottom): 30 x 22in. (76.2 x 55.9cm)

ClassificationsCostume

Credit LineGift of Daniel Wadsworth, Esq.

DescriptionCream-colored, ribbed silk waistcoat, embroidered with pastel-colored silk threads in a design of floral sprays on and below the pocket flaps, and up the center front edges. The interiors of the front panels are embroidered with pale silks in a regular repeating pattern of a feather and a floral bud design, with three blue dots between motifs. The waistcoat is collarless, with a long, narrow profile flaring at hip-level. A pocket over each hip has three decorative buttons under the pocket flaps (which have no buttonholes). A gusset-like covering is stitched behind the center back seam, which is open with the edges finished. The seam is spiral-laced up nearly the entire back to control the fit of the waistcoat. The linen lacing string has its original brass tip. The waistcoat front panels are lined with a cream-colored twill-woven silk, and the back is lined with plain-woven, undyed linen. The waistcoat back is the same linen as the lining.

The silk embroidery is worked with satin stitches, French knots, and outline stitches. Some of the satin-stitched motifs are worked over thick paper templates (evident now because of some abrasion to the embroidery) to give them added dimension.

This waistcoat was worn by Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth of Hartford at the court of Louis XVI of France.

Object number1848.15.2

NotesHistorical Note: According to museum records, this waistcoat was worn by Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth (1743-1804) of Hartford at the court of Louis XVI of France.

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