Bonnet

Art Historical Context

Step into the elegant world of late 19th-century American fashion with this exquisite *Bonnet* from 1890, crafted by an unknown artist using luxurious silk and feathers. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum Art's Costume Institute, this delicate headpiece exemplifies the opulent millinery of the Gilded Age, when women's attire emphasized refinement and femininity. The silk provides a shimmering, lightweight foundation, while the feathers add volume, texture, and a touch of natural whimsy—materials that were prized for their ability to elevate everyday wear into statements of style and social stan...