Hat

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of mid-19th-century American with this exquisite *Hat* from 1865–70, by an unknown artist using luxurious silk and delicate paper. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume, this piece was generously gifted by Randolph Gunter in 1961. The combination of shimmering silk—prized for its sheen and durability—and lightweight paper, likely used for structural support or intricate embellishments, highlights the innovative material pairings of the era, blending opulence with practicality. Created in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, the hat reflects a pivo...