Peter II, Postilions & Fancy Dress

wardrobe, peter II, tsars, russia, court, suits, underwear

  • Coat and waistcoat, about 1729

    Coat and waistcoat, about 1729, Museum no. TK-2909, © The Moscow Kremlin Museums

    Coat and waistcoat
    France
    About 1729
    Coat: silk velvet, trimmed with gold lace
    Waistcoat: silver brocade, trimmed with gold lace
    Museum no. TK-2909
    © The Moscow Kremlin Museums

    This elegant coat and waistcoat demonstrate how closely the Russian court was following European fashion in the 1720s. The deep, curved cuff is the ‘boot-cuff’ sleeve that was in fashion from 1725 to 1735. The richness of the gold lace suggests that the ensemble was intended for Peter II’s wedding to Princess Ekaterina Dolgorukaya, but unfortunately Peter died of smallpox the morning of the ceremony, on 30 January 1730.

  • Coronation underwear worn by Peter II, 1727

    Coronation underwear worn by Peter II, 1727, Museum no. TK-1937, © The Moscow Kremlin Museums

    Coronation underwear
    France
    1727
    Linen
    Museum no. TK-1937
    © The Moscow Kremlin Museums

    The adoption of European fashions in Russia extended to underwear. Peter II’s coronation ensemble includes a western-style linen shirt and drawers worn underneath a coat, waistcoat and breeches. These are made of the finest linen, known as ‘Holland’ because that country was the source of the best quality linens. The plain linen frame-knit stockings were worn under the silk ones.

  • Coat and waistcoat worn by Peter II, 1727–1730

    Coat and waistcoat worn by Peter II, 1727–1730, Museum no. TK-1943, © The Moscow Kremlin Museums

    Coat and waistcoat
    France
    1727–1730
    Silk velvet and silk taffeta with silver embroidery
    Museum no. TK-1943
    © The Moscow Kremlin Museums

    In this ensemble the silk of the waistcoat and coat cuffs has faded considerably. It was once a vibrant pink, an elegant contrast to the deep blue velvet of the coat. Both garments are decorated in silver embroidery, worked separately then applied to the velvet and taffeta, rather than embroidered directly onto the coat and waistcoat.