Bonnet c. 1937

Lucien Verbeke rendered this bonnet with watercolor, ink, and graphite, capturing more than just a fashionable item; he captured a symbol of protection and societal identity. Notice the bonnet’s form, reminiscent of a protective shell, guarding the wearer. The bonnet, through its various historical iterations, carries echoes of modesty and decorum. Lace, here delicately edging the bonnet, speaks of status, but also points back to its earlier use in religious vestments, imbued with purity. Consider how, across centuries, head coverings from simple veils to elaborate hats have signaled social standing and personal virtue, or, perhaps, concealed a woman's thoughts from the external world. The cyclical nature of fashion mirrors deeper currents of cultural memory, reflecting how societal expectations of women shift and resurface. This is a subtle reminder of the silent dialogues between past and present.