Hoedendoos van karton, beplakt met donkergroen papier met lichtgroene bies; voor een steek before 1843

This is a cardboard hat box, covered with dark green paper and light green trim, made by Isaäc Johannes Froger. The box was designed to hold a bicorne, a type of hat that was an essential part of the wardrobe for men in the military, diplomatic, and upper classes during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This box speaks to the way identity was constructed and performed through fashion. Clothing and accessories signaled one’s status, profession, and allegiance. Froger catered to an elite clientele, crafting containers that protected these potent symbols of power. The hat box, in its own way, mirrors the hierarchical structure of the society in which it was used. The dark green color and simple decoration underscore the seriousness and formality associated with the hat it was designed to carry. Ultimately, this object offers a glimpse into a world where appearances mattered deeply.