Moth Cape

Currently not on view

Moth Cape

1979

Susanna E. Lewis (American, 1938–2021)

This cape originated in a nightmare of the artist’s: "The moth represents death; it was a huge creature, very big and heavy. When I saw it in my dream it was not flat, but was alive and active. I saw it first from the underside, because it came down toward me—although it was brilliant, just like the cape. And when it came, it folded its wings around me—as the cape itself would around your body if you put it on and wrapped it around you, which is what death does."

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Moth Cape

Date:

1979

Artist:

Susanna E. Lewis (American, 1938–2021)

Medium:

Loom-knit, appliquéd wool; beads

Dimensions:

69 inches × 8 feet 11 inches (175.3 × 271.8 cm)

Classification:

Fiber Art

Credit Line:

Promised gift of The Julie Schafler Dale Collection

Accession Number:

ATW-94

Geography:

Made in United States, North and Central America

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Currently not on view