Artwork Page for Man's Nightcap

Details / Information for Man's Nightcap

Man's Nightcap

late 1500s

England, Elizabethan Period, late 16th century

Medium
Silk, silver thread, plaited braiding, linen; embroidery: chain and buttonhole stitches
Measurements
Overall: 16.9 x 18 x 18 cm (6 5/8 x 7 1/16 x 7 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1950.352
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

According to Elizabethan embroidery scholar Jacqui Carey, this man’s nightcap is constructed of a single piece of embroidered, plain weave linen, cut and folded as is typical of the period. The four points cut into the top edge of the fabric are joined to form the crown while the lower edge is folded back to create the brim. The top edge of the brim is trimmed with bobbin lace. The seams on the crown are hidden with decorative stitching. The floral motifs (rose, borage, pansy and strawberry) set within coiling stems and foliage also is typical of the period. The embroidered motifs are worked with silver metal thread (thin metal strips wrapped around a white silk core). The design is the same in each quadrant. Eight different stitches are used on the nightcap, inclding Elizabethan plaited braid stitch (standard version), Elizabethan plaited braid stitch (variation two), chain stitch, Elizabethan double looped edging (on chain stitch), Elizabethan corded detached buttonhole stitch, Elizabethan spider’s web, five-spoke Elizabethan spider’s web, Elizabethan double ladder with filling, and Elizabethan double Ceylon.
A dome-shaped cream silk nightcap features a rounded crown and dark gray silver thread embroidery. A horizontal braided band circles the middle, dividing the cap into sections of repeating floral motifs. Curving vines form circular medallions enclosing various flowers and leaf-like forms. Small, textured stitches create a raised effect across the surface, which shows light creasing near the base. The intricate scrolling design covers the entire beige background.

Man's Nightcap

late 1500s

England, Elizabethan Period, late 16th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork