Livery Coat for a Servant of Prince von Metternich
Artist/maker unknown, Austrian
Geography:
Made in Austria, Europe
Date:
1813-1829Medium:
Dark yellow fulled wool plain weave, satin and cut and looped velvet (lampas weave) ribbon, cast brass buttonsDimensions:
55 1/8 x 31 1/8 inches (140 x 79 cm)Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
1912-108Credit Line:
Purchased with Special Museum Funds, 1912
Made in Austria, Europe
Date:
1813-1829Medium:
Dark yellow fulled wool plain weave, satin and cut and looped velvet (lampas weave) ribbon, cast brass buttonsDimensions:
55 1/8 x 31 1/8 inches (140 x 79 cm)Curatorial Department:
Costume and TextilesObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1912-108Credit Line:
Purchased with Special Museum Funds, 1912
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Austrian statesman Prince Klemens Lothar von Metternich provided this livery coat to a footman or groom in his service. The yellow cloth is covered by rich braid that, like the brass buttons, is adorned with the coat of arms of the Metternich noble family: three scallop shells that symbolized pilgrimage. Since display was the impetus for livery, the grandest clothing—often including fossilized styles and quasi-military trimmings—was worn by servants with merely ceremonial duties.
