Hat with Roses c. 1902

Editor: This is "Hat with Roses," created around 1902 by A. Jacot. It appears to be made primarily of textiles, and what strikes me first is how the roses contrast with the metallic texture on top. It’s such an interesting mix of delicate and almost industrial elements. What stands out to you? Curator: What I find captivating is considering the means of its production and the context of its consumption. Let’s think about the labor involved in creating this piece. From the cultivation of materials like silk or cotton, to the craftsperson's meticulous arrangement of the roses and metallic threads. Each element, however 'delicate,' relied on an expansive global network of laborers. Editor: That makes sense. So, you’re suggesting it’s less about simple beauty and more about…the system that enabled its existence? Curator: Precisely. Think of the materials themselves—where did these textiles come from? What were the working conditions of the people who harvested, spun, and dyed them? This hat is a testament to both artistic skill and the complex, often obscured, economic realities of the Art Nouveau era. Is it an object of adornment or an index of exploitative systems? Or, can it be both? Editor: I see your point. Looking at it now, I'm thinking about all the unseen hands that contributed to its creation. Thanks, that definitely gives me a lot to consider! Curator: Absolutely. It invites us to rethink how we value art and the material world surrounding us. Perhaps true luxury is awareness of these origins.