Three Gentlemen – 1843

In this illustration for August 1843, two men walking arm-in-arm stop in a grove to greet another man who is dressed in military-style clothing. The man on the left wears long white trousers that taper closely along his calves and ankles, suggesting strapped trousers. He wears a white waistcoat buttoned partially at the waist and a form-fitting black frock coat with very wide, notched lapels.

A long navy blue silk cravat wraps around his neck and falls down the length of his chest. The cravat is fastened with a pin. He wears a gray top hat, light gray gloves, heeled black boots and carries a walking stick. The curls of his hair reach the back of his collar and he wears a mustache. The man standing in the center wears long white and brown Tattersall plaid trousers that have full pleats in front. He wears a white pleated shirt, a white, double-breasted waistcoat and a form-fitting black cutaway coat with very wide notched lapels.

A multicolored cravat is tied at his neck. He wears yellow gloves, black heeled boots and carries a top hat. He wears his hair parted at the center, smoothed down over his head, and with full curls at the sides. His long sideburns and chin whiskers are clipped short. His mustache is dressed into points. The man on the right wears military clothing that suggest the cavalry.

His tan trousers button tightly from knee to ankle and seem to be strapped at the foot. Seaming over the foot may show spats beneath, or the trousers may be tailored to the foot. He has black heeled boots. He wears a navy blue thigh-length cutaway coat with a standing collar. It is fastened with three large gold buttons. It has wide lapels, a waist pocket flap with a gold button, and hip pocket flaps. His breast pocket has a red handkerchief. He wears a green cravat, and a shiny black belt that functions as a sword hanger.

The pommel and cross-piece of the sword are sculpted into animal forms; the sword’s scabbard has a gold point. He wears a hard black riding cap with a visor, and carries his riding crop. He wears a closely trimmed sideburns, chin whiskers, and mustache. His hair is shorter, but also has curls at the side.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges