Cape

Art Historical Context

This elegant cape, crafted around 1830 by an unknown French artist, exemplifies refined outerwear of early Romantic-era fashion. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume, it was acquired through a 1982 purchase funded by The German Fur Federation Gift. During the 1830s—a time of political upheaval following the July Revolution—French fashion shifted toward softer, more feminine silhouettes, with capes like this one serving as versatile accessories for women attending social events or strolling in city parks. Made from wool and silk, the cape combines practicality with luxury: the du...