Satin and Lace Hat c. 1937

Arelia Arbo made this ‘Satin and Lace Hat’ and well, it's a study in the possibilities of line and lightness. The hat is almost floating off the paper, made from the daintiest of strokes. Look closely and you’ll see the weave of the lace, it’s not just a flat plane, but a world of subtle textures, brought to life with delicate touches of pale pink. It's like Arbo is inviting us to reach out and touch the softness. The composition, with its dual presentation of the hat, feels almost like a conversation between two versions of the same idea, a dialogue that Arbo is having with herself, and inviting us to eavesdrop. It reminds me of Manet's sensitivity to fabric, his ability to capture the ephemeral nature of light and texture on cloth. What emerges is not just a drawing of a hat, but an exploration of form, material, and the quiet beauty of everyday objects.