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The artist, title and date of the work must be listed anywhere the image is reproduced:
Unknown, Australia
Cape (c. 1890)
fur (platypus), silk (lining), cotton
39.0 cm (centre back) 158.0 cm (hem circumference)
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Mrs F. Smith, 1985
Photo: National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
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Cape
(c. 1890)
Medium
fur (platypus), silk (lining), cotton
Measurements
39.0 cm (centre back) 158.0 cm (hem circumference)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Mrs F. Smith, 1985
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work
Insatiable demand in Australia for fur coats, collars, cuffs, capes and trimmings, and geographic isolation, created a market for locally sourced pelts. Amateur hunters were quick to supply furs of native animals to individuals and manufacturers.
This luxurious cape was originally thought to be made from wombat fur. Yet research and analysis undertaken in 2001, in collaboration with zoologist Dr Peter Temple-Smith at the Melbourne Zoo, soon proved otherwise. The cape was confirmed to be Tasmanian platypus fur, identifiable by the large size and density of the pelt. Hunted extensively, the platypus was afforded legal protection in 1907.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Tasmania
Accession Number
CT105-1985
Department
Australian Fashion and Textiles
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of Professor AGL Shaw AO Bequest