The Skeleton Suit

From around 1790, the ‘skeleton suit’ was standard attire for boys between the ages of about four and seven years old. It comprised a jacket and high-waisted breeches that buttoned on to the jacket. Usually these were the same colour, but this little boy’s yellow breeches are a striking and contrast with his blue jacket which is worn over a white chemise with a wide collar tied at the neck with narrow red ribbon.

The portrait is set in a gold pendant frame, the reverse also glazed to reveal light brown plaited hair.

A charming piece in fine condition.