Bicorne officier schutterij H. Pek c. 1830 - 1831

This bicorne hat was likely constructed for an officer in the Dutch civic guard, though the maker is unknown. It’s made primarily from felt, with braided trim and tassels. The bicorne's construction speaks volumes about its intended purpose, and the social context in which it was worn. Felt-making is a labor-intensive process, involving the manipulation of fibers through moisture, heat and pressure, often by hand. The hat’s shape is carefully structured, requiring skill in cutting, shaping and sewing the material. The braided trim, while decorative, also signifies status and authority. While the bicorne is not technically complex, the materials and handcraft involved speak to a pre-industrial mode of production, and the value placed on skilled labor. It is an object not of fine art, but of design. And yet, it embodies cultural significance, offering insights into the hierarchies and values of its time.