Bonnet

Art Historical Context

Step into the refined world of mid-19th-century American with this elegant silk bonnet, crafted between 1849 and 1851. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume, this piece exemplifies the delicate headwear that defined women's style during the early Victorian era in the United States. Made from luxurious silk—a fabric prized for its soft sheen, durability, and ability to hold intricate shapes— the bonnet reflects the era's emphasis on modesty and femininity, with wide brims shielding the face from the sun while framing it gracefully. Bonnets like this one were essential accessories ...