Dame Mit Federhut 1870

Hans Canon created *Dame Mit Federhut* with oil paint on canvas. Here, the material influence on the artwork’s appearance is profound; the paint's texture, weight, and color all contribute to its character. Canon applied the oil paint in a way that captured the fashionable attire of the sitter, from the fine ruffles to the decorative feather on the hat. This act of rendering fashion through paint has imbues the artwork with cultural significance. The techniques and tools used by Canon, namely the skilled application of oil paint with brushes, belong to a long tradition of fine art. Yet, the subject itself – the depiction of fashionable attire – reflects the burgeoning world of consumer culture. Canon shows us not just a portrait, but also a reflection of the social values and aspirations tied to clothing, adornment, and their production. Ultimately, Canon's artwork invites us to consider the social context in which fashion, art, and labor intersect.