Fine Arts Library

Long have I regaled Gretchen with stories of my love for a nice sweater vest, and with the weather taking a turn for the cold, this is the week I go public. They’re not just for Jim Tressel anymore, although he does make a fine specimen in his grey numbers:

Coach Tressel

No, the enjoyment of a good sweater vest can be traced even further back than Coach Tressel to such luminaries as Gene Kelley, Hot Jake from Sixteen Candles, Gilles the Librarian (obviously - I’m a librarian, people, I have needs!), and Cutie Henry from Ugly Betty:

Gene Kelley hot Jake

Giles the Librarian Henry & Betty

But surely there must be an art historical explanation for my undying devotion to the sweater vest. After much reflection, I believe I’ve hit on the reason for my SV-crush: the cuirass worn by Augustus in the statue known as the Augustus of Primaporta. It’s all there: manliness, figure concealment/enhancement, and a little story to keep you amused if what he’s saying is actually quite boring. The cuirass/sweater vest has it all!

Augustus of Primaporta cuirass detail

Augustus of Primaporta, early first century CE, Vatican Museums

Is it just me, or would Coach Tressel totally look like the AoP if he’d only wear his hair that way? Roland Barthes, himself aware of the appeal of a toasty cardie, would have a field day with that one!

Roland Barthes