Steek van minister Jan van den Tempel 1939

This hat, worn by Minister Jan van den Tempel, is a strange and delightful thing. It’s made of wool, thread and feathers, assembled by an unknown maker. I love this idea that we don’t know who made it, but we can feel the attention they gave to the materials, the obsessive detail. Look at the way the gold trim shines against the dark wool, how the feathers create this halo of fluff. The hat’s form is so simple, but the textures create so much visual interest. It makes me think about how even the most functional objects can become works of art through the care and attention given to their making. It also reminds me of the painter James Ensor, who was fascinated by the way people used costume to take on an identity. When you look closely you can see that the hat is worn and aged, a reminder of the person who wore it. A simple object can hold a person's story, their memories, and the essence of their time.