DISCOVERART

France, probably Lyon

Design for a Waistcoat Pocket

1770-1810
Opaque watercolor and graphite on cream laid paper
17.7 × 24 cm (7 × 9.4 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

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.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by France, probably Lyon

Design for an Embroidered Waistcoat PocketDesign for an Embroidered Waistcoat PocketPanelPanelPanelPanelDesign for an Embroidered Waistcoat PocketDesign for an Embroidered Waistcoat PocketBorderBorderPanel (Dress Fabric)Panel (Dress Fabric)Panel (From a Skirt)Panel (From a Skirt)Salesman's Sample (Waistcoat Pocket)Salesman's Sample (Waistcoat Pocket)

More like this

Floral DesignJean François Bony — Floral DesignDesign of Flower Sprays and ButterfliesAnonymous, Italian, 19th century — Design of Flower Sprays aDesign for a Woven or Embroidered FabricFrance — Design for a Woven or Embroidered FabricDesign for a Plate with CyclamensAmédée de Caranza — Design for a Plate with CyclamensDesign for a Stage SetEugène Cicéri — Design for a Stage SetDesign for a Panel with a Large Bundle of Flowers and Leaves and a Hanging Thin Bundle Containing Gardening Tools Inside an Ornamental Frame Decorated with Thin Garlands of Flowers and LeavesAnonymous, French, 19th century — Design for a Panel with a Design for a Woven, Printed, or Embroidered Dress or Skirt BorderProbably France — Design for a Woven, Printed, or EmbroidereDesigns for Ceilings with Clouds and BirdsCharles Monblond — Designs for Ceilings with Clouds and BirdDesign for a Sofa Seat Cover (?) with an Ornamental Frame Containing a Vase with a Large Bundle of Flowers and Leaves and Decorated with Acanthus Leaves and Two Fleurs de LysAnonymous, French, 19th century — Design for a Sofa Seat CovDesign for a ceilingJules-Edmond-Charles Lachaise|Eugène-Pierre Gourdet — DesignDesign for a Rug with Ornamental Frames and Garlands and Festoons of Leaves, Flowers, and Ribbons Over a Background of ArabesquesBraquenié et cie. — Design for a Rug with Ornamental Frames Floral DesignAntoine Berjon — Floral Design