Hat 1936

Curator: Here we have Marie Famularo’s piece from 1936, simply titled "Hat." It’s rendered in watercolor and colored pencil, offering a glimpse into everyday fashion of the time. Editor: My initial reaction is of a certain reserved elegance, perhaps even melancholy. The muted tones, save for the bold blue ribbon, suggest a bygone era. And the contrasting sketchy rendition of the second, smaller hat contributes to the solemn effect. Curator: Precisely. Think about the labor involved in producing such detailed drawings, reflecting the artist’s own labor, of course. These depictions, especially during the Depression, highlight consumption practices and the value placed on personal adornment amid economic hardship. Editor: Yes, but let's consider the form. Notice how the artist masterfully uses light and shadow to give volume to the hat. The texture of the feathers and fabric is skillfully suggested through delicate strokes and variations in color intensity, with that singular vibrant use of blue, which draws the viewer's eye in, offering a captivating focal point. Curator: And the context! We must not disregard how items of clothing during this period functioned as markers of class and aspiration. Owning such a fashionable hat would signify belonging and could influence one's opportunities and social standing, given the period. This tells the viewer how much agency lay with access to visual markers. Editor: I see your point about social meaning. However, observe how Famularo employs asymmetry to create a dynamic composition. The hat isn't perfectly centered. The negative space surrounding it amplifies its presence and makes it appear almost suspended in time, inviting us to contemplate its past and its role in society. Curator: What this shows me is that, more than anything, an object may become a status symbol dependent upon a whole labor force involved in its production, thus allowing us to interpret how the symbolism may influence its audience, particularly around its historical context. Editor: Ultimately, considering the intrinsic artistic elements, and in looking at the time, we can grasp not just an article of clothing, but an invitation to visually explore a rich tapestry of the cultural narrative and social values woven around this object, and its value to that period.