Design for an Embroidered Waistcoat Pocket
1780-90
Opaque and translucent watercolor with graphite on green laid paper
25.2 × 41.9 cm (9.9 × 16.5 in)
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Not currently on view
In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026
Discussion
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
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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More by France, probably Lyon
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