FROM THE CLOSET OF KING JOSEPH’S HORSE

King Joseph’s Horse is a very personable equid. He cares about his looks; he’s a real dandy.
In this print, published in the Gentleman’s Gazette of June 1760, he’s wearing a lovely riding coat made of King Joseph’s legs.

(click in the image to enlarge)
Sergiocarneiro "Carneval Heart" Ferocious - 16 years, 8 months, 12 days ago

Crafted by the renowned Lisbon tailor Jorge Armando with the best Irish flax, this is a summer outfit, lighter than the full Monarch attire, and it doesn’t require the use of a cumbersome saddle. One might question the need for such garment, which shelters not from cold or heat, doesn’t protect one from the pouring rain, the wind or the sun, nor does it cover a horse’s loins.
Sergiocarneiro "Carneval Heart" Ferocious - 16 years, 8 months, 12 days ago

Yet, be not mistaken gentle reader, the prime function of any piece of clothing is the decoration and embellishment of its owner. If the protection from the natural elements were the main reason for covering one’s body in cloth, the climate of our fair kingdom would allow for us to go around naked like Adam and Eve for the most part of the year; whereas if it were catholic fervour the only motive for the clothing of the faithful, then we would all wear boring cloaks made of darkish brown cheap fabrics.
Sergiocarneiro "Carneval Heart" Ferocious - 16 years, 8 months, 12 days ago

The plies in King Joseph’s horse's riding coat are carefully folded to convey a natural look to the ensemble. The draperies thus obtained recall the senatorial toga of ancient Rome.
Sergiocarneiro "Carneval Heart" Ferocious - 16 years, 8 months, 12 days ago

King Joseph’s Horse takes five hours daily in grooming and dressing. This process is so slow and careful that the common passers-by, in the square below, don’t even notice his studied movements. The result of such meticulous procedure is a bit stiff, but weren’t the collars of Brummell so starched that they made it impossible for him to turn his head without the agreement of all of his limbs? Elegance comes not free.

(click in the image to enlarge)
Sergiocarneiro "Carneval Heart" Ferocious - 16 years, 8 months, 12 days ago