A Hat on a Stand 1863

Auguste Félix made this watercolor painting, A Hat on a Stand, in 1869. Reflect on the socio-economic implications of fashion during the late 1860s. Consider the role of the haute bourgeoisie in setting trends and the labor involved in producing these luxury items. This work offers a glimpse into the culture of adornment and status. It reflects an era of burgeoning consumerism and the visual codes that defined social standing. Note the detail of the feathers and trimmings, hallmarks of high fashion, set against the plain backdrop. This piece is not just about the hat itself, but about the aspirations, the identities, and the societal structures it represents. It asks us to consider the narratives we construct through what we wear and what those choices signify.