77.146.2

Images (4)

Nature_34 Left to right 82.15.20 (hat case), 91.241.20 (dress), 99.41.1 (hat case), 77.146.2 (hat case), 82.42.4 (ensemble), 94.51.1 (hat case)

Nature_33 Left to right 82.15.20 (hat case), 91.241.20 (dress), 99.41.1 (hat case), 77.146.2 (hat case), 82.42.4 (ensemble), 94.51.1 (hat case), 2017.18.1 (suit), 2008.15.1 (jacket), 88.170.1 (green suit hidden), 93.17.3 (hat case), P91.23.3 (dress), P90.2.4 (suit)

Nature_42 Left to right 82.15.20 (hat case), 91.241.20 (dress), 99.41.1 (hat case), 77.146.2 (hat case), 82.42.4 (ensemble), 94.51.1 (hat case), 2017.18.1 (suit), 2008.15.1 (jacket), 88.170.1 (green suit), 93.17.3 (hat case), P91.23.3 (dress), P90.2.4 (suit)

Object: Hat

Designer: Mme. Pauline

Date: c. 1955

Medium: Felt and taxidermic bird of paradise

Country: USA

Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Otto Grun

Object number: 77.146.2

DescriptionSmall free form black felt hat with rolled brim and trimmed across center front with bird of paradise that dips to either side with grosgrain head band

Label Text:Adorned with a bird-of-paradise, this woman’s hat is an example of how feathers used by male birds in sexual display have been appropriated by fashion to emphasize female allure. Birds-of-paradise, which include some of nature’s most flamboyant avian species, were described by naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace as “the most beautiful of the feathered inhabitants of this earth.” Today, birds-of-paradise are protected against the harvesting of feathers.

In Collection(s)

Accessories

Exhibitions:

Force of Nature