The Winged Hat 1890

James McNeill Whistler made this delicate sketch, titled "The Winged Hat," using graphite on paper. This work gives us an intimate glimpse into the artist's world, but it also hints at the changing role of women in late 19th-century society. Whistler, an American expatriate living in Europe, was deeply influenced by aestheticism, which valued beauty above all else, even social commentary. However, it is difficult to divorce his artistic production from its social context. The woman in the sketch, with her confident pose and fashionable attire, embodies a sense of independence. During this period, women were increasingly visible in public life, demanding greater social and political rights. The winged hat itself, a bold fashion statement, might be seen as a symbol of this newfound freedom. To fully understand this image, scholars often turn to fashion history, social studies, and biographical research. We can better understand the social and cultural forces that shaped the artist's vision and the way the sitter wanted to present herself.