The Green Hat

Art Historical Context

"The Green Hat," a 1927 drawing by Alice Pike Barney, captures a striking bust-length portrait centered on its namesake accessory. Created during the vibrant artistic circles of the early twentieth century, the work highlights Barney’s skill in using line and subtle color to convey personality and presence through a simple yet evocative composition. As a drawing, the piece offers an intimate view of its subject, emphasizing the texture and form of the hat against the figure’s features. The Smithsonian American Art Museum holds this work thanks to a generous gift from Barney’s daughters, Laura Dreyfus Barney and Natalie Clifford Barney, presented in memory of their mother. Visitors can appreciate how the artwork reflects both personal and cultural moments of its time, with the prominent hat serving as a focal point that invites closer looking at Barney’s delicate technique.