Cap

Date1740-1760

MediumRibbed silk worked with silks; cord trim outlining; silk and cotton lining; paper stiffening; glazed tabby linen innerlining.

DimensionsOH: approx. 8" OW: (flat) 12"

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Cora Ginsburg

Object number1991-499

DescriptionMan's cap of polychrome silk needlework flowers and scrolls on brown ribbed silk, lined with striped silk and cotton. High domed crown is cut in four pieces, with floral embroidery and a decorative tassel at the top. The seams are covered with couched cording. Two shaped brims are embroidered and edged with cording. An inner stiffening of paper is composed of pages cut from a history text in Latin written by Roman scholar Quintus Curtius Rufus.
Label TextCap
Europe, 1740-1760
Silk embroidered with silk; linen and paper interlinings; silk-and-worsted lining; silk and linen sewing threads
G1991-499, Gift of Cora Ginsburg
Men of all social levels wore caps indoors and out as informal replacements for the wig and cocked hat. Fashionable men shaved their heads so that their expensive wigs would fit better, and caps covered their bald heads when they were relaxing at leisure without a wig. Working men also wore simple caps of linen or wool when a felt hat with a brim was too hot or cumbersome.