Coat

Embroidery in silver and silver-gilt thread sparkles against the cream wool of this formal coat of the 1770s. The influence of the neo-classical style can be seen in the motifs and proportions of the embroidery design. Narrow ribbons of ivory silk were first applied to the wool, then embroidered over with silver and silver-gilt thread in a pattern of finely drawn garlands and festoons held with tassels. Each of the tassels finishes with a narrow line of red silk worked in raised satin stitch. The buttons are covered with blue silk and embroidered with silver-gilt thread and spangles (or sequins).