Opera Hood 1935 - 1942

Raymond Manupelli’s ‘Opera Hood’ is a watercolor and graphite drawing of a woman’s head covering. Manupelli, who lived from 1855 to 1995, worked in a time of significant social and cultural shifts in America. This rendering of an ‘Opera Hood’ presents ideas about the role of women, and perhaps even the idea of performance itself. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, women's fashion was about conveying respectability and adhering to the social norms of femininity. Head coverings were integral to expressing modesty. Yet, the hood’s title, ‘Opera,’ brings to mind the performative aspects of high society, where appearances and attire are part of a carefully constructed image. The artist may be inviting us to consider the dual nature of women's roles. The drawing is small, delicate, and detailed. It prompts us to reflect on the balance between private identity and public performance. It asks us to consider how clothing can both conceal and reveal the complexities of identity.