Field Officer's Hat c. 1936

Aaron Fastovsky, who lived from 1855 to 1995, made this watercolor called "Field Officer's Hat," though we don't know exactly when. The image suggests ideas about military culture and institutional power. The hat's visual codes speak to a hierarchy embedded in military institutions. We see gold braid, plumes, and an elaborate crest, all signifiers of rank and authority, likely derived from European traditions. It’s important to consider that in many nations, the military operates as a distinct social class, one that often upholds conservative values and existing power structures. To truly understand this piece, one might research military insignia, or look at other artworks that depict military life. Understanding this painting requires more than just an aesthetic appreciation. It asks us to examine the social and institutional contexts that give meaning to symbols of power.