ticketsMember | Make a donation

Suit

ca. 1760
Not on view
This magnificent suit remarkably survives complete with all of its components. Because elements of menswear were often retailored to accommodate changes in the wearer's size or in fashion, this ensemble in essentially unaltered condition is an exceedingly rare example. Characteristic of the fashion of this date, skintight breeches that buckle below the knee and a fitted waistcoat are almost entirely covered by a coat with collarless, narrow chest and stiffly flaring skirt that concentrates emphasis on the lower torso and thighs. The placement of the opulent applied decoration bolsters this effect. Although the coat retains stiffness reminiscent of the 1750s styles, the buttons do not meet below the upper chest and the angular opening anticipates the pronounced front curve and diminishing skirt of late decades. The color coordination of all three parts and the utilization of wool, both decidedly English elements that anticipate modern attire, were generally reserved for informal wear. Here, however, the suit is resplendent with an abundance of gold buttons and braid more closely associated with high-style occasions.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Suit
  • Date: ca. 1760
  • Culture: British
  • Medium: wool, gilt metal
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Irene Lewisohn Bequest and Polaire Weissman Fund, 1996
  • Object Number: 1996.117a–c
  • Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Waistcoat, Anna Maria Garthwaite British, silk, wool, linen, metal, British
Waistcoat
Anna Maria Garthwaite
Peter Lekeux
1747
Waistcoat, linen, silk, metal, British
Waistcoat
British
1615–20
Court dress, silk, metallic thread, British
Court dress
British
ca. 1750
Robe à la française, silk, pigment, linen, British
Robe à la française
British
1740s
Riding coat, silk, goat hair, British
Riding coat
British
ca. 1760

Related Content

Perspectives

Articles, audio, and video from The Met's online magazine.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.