Bonnet c. 1940

J. Herman McCollum made this watercolour painting called "Bonnet," date unknown. The bonnet is a fascinating sartorial object, laden with social meaning. In the 19th century, such head coverings were ubiquitous in Western cultures, especially for women. Bonnets symbolized modesty and respectability, acting as a visual marker of social status and adherence to gender norms. They were a required part of a woman's attire in many social settings, reflecting the era's emphasis on propriety. Looking at the image, consider the visual codes at play. The bonnet's design, with its quilted texture and frills, speaks to the craftsmanship valued at the time. The artist's careful rendering elevates a simple item of clothing to a subject worthy of artistic attention. To understand this artwork better, one might research fashion history, etiquette manuals, and social commentaries from the 19th century. Such resources shed light on the cultural significance of clothing and its role in shaping social interactions. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.