Identify head gear in this work of art

February 26, 2005 4:42 PM

Can anyone identify either the name, or the purpose of a piece of headwear in this pastel by symbolist artist Lucien Levy Dhurmer?

The artwork in question can be viewed here. I think it was just the fashion at the time. I would appreciate the name of this type of headgear, it looks faintly medical but I'm not sure.

posted by fire&wings to Society & Culture (4 answers total)

A type of wimple perhaps? That's the name for a nun's headgear. They vary from a standard hood-type to the whimsical wings of the Flying Nun.
posted by Rock Steady at 4:51 PM on February 26, 2005

I believe the cloth under the chin, fastened at the top of the head qualifies as a Barbette which can be worn with a French Hood. Dictionary of millinery terms here, but unfortunately not accompanied with photos.
posted by donovan at 5:03 PM on February 26, 2005

Shcmata?
posted by fixedgear at 6:29 PM on February 26, 2005

err, schmata
posted by fixedgear at 6:30 PM on February 26, 2005