Coat

Coat

1900
Locale
Europe central
Country
Romania
Object
coat
Medium
Silk embroidery, leather appliqué, and embossed patterns on sheepskin with silk tassels
Accession Number
1949.27
Credit Line
Neusteter Textile Collection at the Denver Art Museum: Gift of Mr. Frederic H. Douglas

Coat, Romania, 1900. Silk embroidery, leather appliqué, and embossed patterns on sheepskin with silk tassels. Neusteter Textile Collection at the Denver Art Museum: Gift of Frederic H. Douglas, 1949.27.

Dimensions
length: 40 in, 101.6000 cm; width: 57 in, 144.7800 cm
Inscription
1900 embroidered on placket
Department
Avenir Institute of Textile Arts and Fashion
Collection
Textile Arts and Fashion-European
This object is currently on view
For centuries, an embroidered sheepskin cape or coat was a highly coveted and extremely expensive necessity in areas of current-day Hungary and Romania. These cherished garments were the result of a collaborative effort among a number of specialists: a master who created the pattern and planned the construction, apprentices who performed the lengthily preparation of the skins, and women who embroidered the individual pieces before they were assembled. Although there are regional differences, a symmetrical arrangement of stylized polychrome floral motifs (and occasionally creatures) as well as specific abstracted appliquéd leather shapes was preferred and shown against a light or white background.
Known Provenance
Mr. Frederic H. Douglas [1897-1956], Denver, CO; gifted to the Denver Art Museum, 1949.
Exhibition History
  • "Cover Story," May 17, 2013 - April 27, 2014 (DAM)
  • “Weaving a Foundation: Cornerstones of the Textile Arts Collection” — Denver Art Museum, 2/25/2024

Some images in our online collection are at thumbnail size, in accordance with AAMD guidelines, because they are protected by copyright. The Denver Art Museum respects the rights of artists or their representatives who retain the copyright to their work. Other images represent the best photography available and should be used as reference images only. Please complete the Image Rights Request form if you want to request a high resolution image.