Bonnet 1935 - 1942

Editor: This charming drawing, simply titled "Bonnet," was created sometime between 1935 and 1942, by Rosalia Lane. The delicate use of pencil and watercolor gives it an intimate feel, like a peek into a personal sketchbook. The style feels so antiquated, like looking into fashion from over a century ago. What catches your eye in this piece? Curator: It’s interesting that you perceive the style as antiquated, when the piece was produced closer to our time than, say, the Victorian era. The bonnet itself, more than a simple head covering, has deep symbolic roots. In the Victorian era and earlier, a bonnet represented modesty, femininity, and even social class. Think about how bonnets appear in countless portraits and period dramas. What cultural associations does a bonnet evoke for you personally? Editor: That's a great point about social class and femininity. Now that you mention it, I am wondering if the sketch embodies cultural continuity. I guess I assumed that fashion of this era was about function more than beauty, considering that World War II was either happening or about to, depending on what year this sketch was drawn. Do you think the bonnet could have a second meaning beyond that of wealth? Curator: Exactly! While wartime austerity was definitely on the horizon, the bonnet's lingering presence in fashion suggests more than just wealth. Consider its historical connections to nurturing and protection. Visually, the soft lines and delicate watercoloring contribute to a sense of gentle innocence. Lane is likely not just capturing a garment but hinting at the emotional weight associated with it. Perhaps even an element of looking back to times of peace. Do you find anything interesting about how the artist chose to portray the object? Editor: I think it is a telling feature to highlight an era, through symbolic imagery, that precedes our own! Thank you for sharing a bit of cultural symbolism to appreciate Rosalia Lane's Bonnet. Curator: A valuable interpretation! The power of an image resides not only in its creation but also in how it resonates with different generations and personal experiences.