Hat c. 1936

Jean Peszel created this drawing entitled ‘Hat’ using graphite and watercolor. The hats depicted here reference a very specific kind of masculine identity. These hats speak to the relationship between fashion, class and identity. During Peszel's lifetime, hats were not merely accessories but symbols of social status and identity. Top hats, in particular, were emblematic of the bourgeoisie. The artist’s choice to depict such an item invites us to think about how articles of clothing both shape and reflect societal norms. These hats become more than objects. They are silent witnesses to historical shifts and cultural values. The drawing invites us to reflect on the layers of meaning we attach to everyday objects and how they play a role in shaping our identities.