The Milliner 1881

Editor: This is Manet's "The Milliner," painted in 1881. It's an oil painting, and I'm immediately struck by how much the scene hints at leisure and the culture of fashion. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, from a materialist perspective, I find the depiction of the milliner, a craftsperson who produces items of fashion, to be really telling. Look closely. Manet renders her engagement with the hat not just as an aesthetic choice, but as a kind of labor, however elegant. How is Manet drawing our attention to the culture and means of hat-making? Editor: I hadn’t considered it that way! It seems almost subversive to elevate what might have been considered "craft" at the time to the level of fine art. Curator: Exactly! And the context is critical. In the late 19th century, you have increasing industrialization but also the continuation of artisanal practices. Manet seems interested in how these modes of production coexist. Think about the raw materials: the fabrics, feathers, ribbons – who produced them, and under what conditions? This wasn't just about aesthetics. Editor: So, it's about the labor and materials, not just the beauty. It feels like Manet is questioning what's considered “art.” Curator: Precisely. And considering consumption habits! These hats weren’t made to last. This all reflects a burgeoning culture of disposability and consumerism tied to female roles. Editor: Wow, I never would have considered that! I was too focused on the pretty lady and her hat. I’ll never look at an impressionist portrait the same way again! Curator: Paying attention to materials really changes the lens! Hopefully you can see labor embedded in everyday scenes, especially labor carried out by women during that time.