Cap

Art Historical Context

This delicate 19th-century British, crafted from fine linen, offers a glimpse into the everyday elegance of Victorian-era fashion. Linen, a lightweight and breathable natural fiber derived from flax, was prized for its durability and comfort, making it ideal for indoor daycaps worn by women to cover their hair and maintain modesty. Such caps were a staple accessory, often layered under bonnets or paired with morning dresses, reflecting the era's emphasis on refined domesticity. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, this piece was acquired through a public subscription ...