Opera Reminiscences, Plate 2: Hat Boxes 1829

William Heath, also known as Paul Pry, created this print called 'Hat Boxes' in England in 1820 using etching and aquatint. The print presents a satirical view on the fashion for large hats at the opera. It is very funny, but what does it tell us about the social structures of the time? Does it critique the institutions of art? Well, this image participates in a longer tradition of satire, particularly around gender roles and social class. The opera itself was an important social institution, a place to see and be seen. Heath's print suggests that it was also a place where social norms were both performed and subverted. To understand the image better, we can use historical sources such as fashion plates, theatre reviews, and social commentaries to better understand the place of art in the life of early 19th century Britons. By understanding the social and institutional context of 'Hat Boxes,' we can begin to interpret its meaning and appreciate its role as a form of social commentary.