Evening cape

1900–1905

Not on view

Jacques Doucet was first, and foremost, a connoisseur of art. Additionally, his passion for the refined and exquisite overflowed into his dealings with fashion, making him one of the finest French couturiers during the Belle Époque. The House of Doucet began as a family business, specializing in women's lingerie and laces, as well as articles of clothing for men. Founded in 1817, the company rose to fame under the hand of Jacques. The house was known for its luxurious offerings, which were worn and coveted by royalty, members of the elite society in both Europe and America, and actresses of the stage.

This evening cape of silk, lace and rhinestones is a grand outer garment, befitting its wearer. Caroline Schermerhorn Astor Wilson held a prominent place in New York society, and as part of her role, dressed in only the finest clothes. The voluminous layers are dramatic, the pink chiffon and the lace of the dress feminizing. The combination of multiple exquisite materials is a true hallmark of the House of Doucet.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Title: Evening cape
Designer: Jacques Doucet (French, Paris 1853–1929 Paris)
Date: 1900–1905
Culture: French
Medium: wool, silk, rhinestones
Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Orme and R. Thornton Wilson in memory of Caroline Schermerhorn Astor Wilson, 1949
Object Number: 2009.300.128
Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

More Artwork

By Jacques Doucet

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Afternoon dress, Jacques Doucet French, silk, linen, rhinestones, French — Afternoon dress
Jacques Doucet
1900–1903

Evening coat, Jacques Doucet French, wool, fur, silk, French — Evening coat
Jacques Doucet
fall/winter 1902

Afternoon suit, Jacques Doucet French, silk, French — Afternoon suit
Jacques Doucet
fall/winter 1904

Afternoon jacket, Jacques Doucet French, silk, cotton, metal, wood, French — Afternoon jacket
Jacques Doucet
ca. 1905

Scarf, Jacques Doucet French, silk, French — Scarf
Jacques Doucet
1930s–40s

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.