Images(2)

Cape or cloak

Date1820-1830

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Southampton County

MediumCotton

DimensionsNeck: 10 ¾ inches Center front: 32 inches

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2022-136

DescriptionA cloak or cape for a child made out of extremely fine cotton. All of the edges of the cloak are created with a series of embroidery techniques. A zig zag exterior edge was created with buttonhole stitches, within that middle of the triangle is worked a tiny eyelet, and finally more buttonhole stitches were worked in a series of connecting ovals that were then filled with net from the backside. The cloak opens down center front and each corner is worked in white a floral motif with inserted net. The cloak is gathered into a neck band with ties to close at the throat.
Label TextThis small cloak or cape would have been worn by a child or possibly an infant. Women in the 18th century wore cloaks as a fashion accessory, but they seem to fall out of style by the early 19th century, making this an unusual survivor.
ProvenanceThis cloak descended through the family of Mary-Ann Templeton McEachem (1934-2004). The donor noted that the garment was probably from Southampton County, Virginia. It appears that the the cloak may have come down through her mother's side of the family as they all resided in Southampton County.