The Pinned Hat c. 19th century

Editor: This is Renoir's "The Pinned Hat," a print residing at Harvard Art Museums. It's captivating how such fine lines create such detail. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Consider the availability of materials. During Renoir's time, mass production democratized access to fashion and printmaking. This piece underscores the commodification of leisure and the labor involved in creating such finery. How does the process of etching itself reflect this shift? Editor: So, you're saying the printmaking process connects to broader changes in society and labor? Curator: Precisely. The "pinned hat" isn't just an aesthetic object; it's a product of specific material conditions and social relations.