Jacket c. 20th century

This Jacket at the Minneapolis Institute of Art is made from textiles and thread, pieced together, and likely worn with pride. I wonder who made this jacket and for what occasion? The deep red velvet and gold embroidery speaks to a time of royalty and ceremony. There is something so human about it. I can almost feel the maker’s hands as they worked on it. Imagine being the one to create this; the hours and hours it must have taken to complete. Stitch by stitch, the artist has created something functional and fabulous. You can see the care and attention in every detail, in every thoughtful stitch. The gesture of each swirl and flourish adds to its richness. This jacket reminds me of the colorful and ornate robes worn by kings and queens in portraits from art history. In a way, this jacket is a kind of portrait, too, offering a glimpse into the life and world of its maker. This one is anonymous, so in my mind, I get to decide who wore this jacket.