"On the Plains a Hat is More Than a Covering" c. 1938 - 1965

Dorothea Lange made this photograph, entitled "On the Plains a Hat is More Than a Covering," using black and white film. The image is closely cropped, focusing on a weathered hand holding a wide-brimmed hat. The hat, likely felted wool, is molded into its shape through a combination of skillful hand-work and industrial processes. Mass-produced but still redolent of individual use, it speaks to the necessity of protection from the elements, a critical aspect of labor, particularly in rural settings. The hat's form and the hand’s grasp suggest a life of manual labor, which gives the image a palpable sense of authenticity. The choice of black and white film emphasizes the textures and forms, highlighting the rough feel of the material and the deep lines in the worker’s hand. The overall composition speaks to a dignity in labor, where clothing is an integral part of survival. Lange's photograph elevates the ordinary, reminding us that materials, making, and social context are crucial to understanding the full meaning of any artwork.