Cape
Unknown Artist
ca. 1890
Medium
wool, silk, metallic
Classification
Cape
Culture
American
Department
Costume Institute
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. John C. Cattus, 1952
Accession Number
C.I.X.52.5
Art Historical Context
Step into the opulent world of late 19th-century American with this exquisite cape, crafted around 1890 by an unknown. Made from a luxurious blend of wool, silk, and metallic threads, it exemplifies the era's emphasis on rich textures and shimmering surfaces. Wool provided warmth and durability for outerwear, while silk and metallic elements added a touch of glamour, catching the light to evoke sophistication and status. During the Gilded Age, capes like this were essential wardrobe staples for women, offering both practicality and elegance over daytime or evening ensembles. This American pie...