Two Views (Side and Front) of a Hat on a Stand 1866

Editor: Here we have Auguste Félix's "Two Views (Side and Front) of a Hat on a Stand," created in 1866, using watercolor, ink, and print. It's charming. I'm intrigued by the almost abstract shapes and how they present such an everyday object. What strikes you most about the piece? Curator: The immediate aspect that compels my attention is the exploration of form through duplication and perspective. Félix, rather than depicting the hat in a conventional manner, presents a structural analysis. Note the meticulous rendering of the object's geometry, with careful attention to the interplay of light and shadow defining its volume. Editor: I see what you mean. It’s less about the hat itself and more about how it's built. Curator: Precisely. The medium – watercolor and ink – enhances this formal approach. The fluidity of the watercolor allows for subtle gradations of tone, creating a delicate yet precise articulation of shape. While the use of ink provides definitive outlines, establishing the hat’s contours with unwavering clarity. How does the palette resonate with you? Editor: It seems deliberately muted, which reinforces that focus on form you mentioned, stopping it from becoming too decorative. It brings a subdued sophistication. Curator: An astute observation. It is through these deliberate choices that Félix transcends mere representation and elevates the hat to an object of artistic contemplation, inviting us to consider its inherent design principles and aesthetic qualities. The blank background emphasizes its inherent sculptural properties. Editor: This has shifted my understanding considerably. Initially, it seemed a simple fashion study, but I now recognize how Félix uses these forms to highlight shape, materiality and design. Curator: Indeed. The work invites contemplation not just of millinery trends, but also of artistic intent and the potential for formal exploration within seemingly mundane subjects.