Art Institute of Chicago

Design for an Embroidered Waistcoat Pocket

France, probably Lyon

Date

1780-90

Medium

Opaque and translucent watercolor over graphite on green laid paper

Culture

France

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

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. Some drawings are inscribed with numbers. Such numbers helped the merchant and makers identify patterns and prices when a client selected a pattern.

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