Mourning cape
Victorian mourning traditions were complex and circumscribed. Full mourning, with its proscribed all-black clothing, lasted a year and a day, while second mourning, which followed, lasted six to nine months and allowed for some use of trim and small jewelry. Half-mourning lasted three to six months and allowed for more elaborate fabrics and jewelry. This cape is an example of a half-mourning evening garment. It was purchased at Abraham & Straus by Brooklyn resident Florence Madden Adriance (1878-1915), who was the grandmother of the donors.
Founded in 1865 as Wechsler & Abraham by Abraham Abraham (1843-1911) and Joseph Wechsler (ca. 1837-n.d.), Abraham & Straus became the largest department in store in Brooklyn during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Founded in 1865 as Wechsler & Abraham by Abraham Abraham (1843-1911) and Joseph Wechsler (ca. 1837-n.d.), Abraham & Straus became the largest department in store in Brooklyn during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Artwork Details
- Title: Mourning cape
- Department Store: Abraham & Straus
- Date: 1895–1900
- Culture: American
- Medium: silk
- Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. Bowen Heath and Mrs. George A. Neidner, 1976
- Object Number: 2009.300.521
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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