The Henley Hat 

Theodore Roussel created this print, "The Henley Hat," by incising an image into a metal plate, likely copper, using a sharp tool in a process called drypoint. The plate would then have been inked and pressed onto paper. The resulting image captures the texture and weight of the hat’s embellishments through a network of fine lines, creating a sense of depth and shadow. Roussel was deeply engaged with printmaking, an intaglio process allowing for the creation of multiples. This opened the possibility of art ownership to a broader audience beyond the wealthy elite. This was particularly poignant given the image is of an extravagant hat, indicative of the fashion trends and social stratification of the time. The hat itself, adorned with feathers or flowers, speaks to the labor-intensive processes and global networks involved in the production of fashionable goods. Considering the materials, the making, and the social context is crucial to understanding the full meaning of "The Henley Hat," inviting us to reconsider the boundaries between fine art, craft, and the everyday objects that shape our lives.