Bonnet 1935 - 1942

This watercolor painting titled, “Bonnet,” presents two different bonnets and was created by an anonymous artist. Bonnets, more than mere fashion accessories, were potent symbols of femininity and social standing. In Western cultures, bonnets were historically worn by women and girls, often signifying modesty, domesticity, and a woman's role within the private sphere. The elaborate decorations of ribbons and flowers on one of the bonnets here, points to the subtle ways women of the time expressed their identities and aspirations within the confines of social expectations. The anonymity of the artist further prompts us to reflect on the lives and labor of women whose creative contributions have been historically overlooked. This piece invites us to consider the complex relationships between gender, identity, and material culture. What can these bonnets tell us about the lives of the women who wore them?