Cape with Hood

Exotic blossoms and bunches of fruit in strong colours upon a finely dotted background form the pattern of this printed cotton cape. The linen-lined cape is cut in an almost perfect circle and lays in thick gathers at the rear neckline. This upper area is where the hood begins, likewise tightly gathered, and the leading edge is decorated with lace trim. The cape is fastened at the neck with two silk binding ribbons. Beginning in the 17th century India became the country of origin for the imprinted cotton cloth that was popular in Europe, and it was thus known in France as indiennes. The popularity of the fabric in numerous countries led to an import and production ban in the 18th century, which was lifted in France in 1759. Immediately afterwards, we saw the establishment of numerous fabric printing companies. The most famous of these was the enterprise founded by Christoph P. Oberkampf in Jouy-en-Josas.