The internet tells me it’s “National Hat Day” today, January 15. I’m not really sure where this supposed holiday comes from, but it is a good excuse to show off some some of the fabulous hat-wearers in our collection.
Here’s Ben Franklin in his classic fur hat.
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| “”Dr. Benjn. Franklin, Engraved for the Select Portrait Gallery in the Guide to Knowledge” 1965.779. Collection of the Rosenbach |
And Napoleon in his trademark chapeau.
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| David Edwin, “Napoleon Buonaparté.” Philadelphia: C. and A. Conrad & Co., 1809. 1954.1178. Collection of the Rosenbach |
Tam O’Shanter is wearing his name-sake headgear in this picture.
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| George Bryan Campion, “Tam O’Shanter & Souter Johnny”.1954.573. Collection of the Rosenbach. |
There are many great hats, for both ladies and gents, in this 18th-century image of “The Promenade at Carlisle House.”
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| John Raphael Smith, The Promenade at Carlisle House. 1781. 1954.623.Collection of the Rosenbach. |
The unknown lady in this miniature is sporting a lovely feathered design.
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| Unknown lady., claled Mrs. Coswap. 1954.630.272.Collection of the Rosenbach |
As is the infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia, in her own miniature.
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| School fo Alonso Sanchez Coelho, Isabella Clara Eugenia. 1954.0630.046.Collection of the Rosenbach |
His Excellency Mirza Aboo al Hassan, the envoy of the king of Persia, might win for height.
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| David Edwin, His Excellency Mirza Aboo al Hassan. Philadelphia : Hopkins and Earle, 1809 or 10. 1954.1159. Collection of the Rosenbach |
While this gentleman might win for sheer size.
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| Robert Nanteuil,” Le Bassin”.[S.l. : s.n., between 1645 and 1678] 1954.269.91.Collection of the Rosenbach |
Finally, we couldn’t possibly leave out Marianne Moore, two of whose famous tricorn hats are in our collection. This Henri Bendel version was a gift from her friend Hildegarde Watson in 1958.
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| Henri Bendel, tricorn hat. 1958. 2006.2582. Collection of the Rosenbach |
Happy Hat Day!
Kathy Haas is the Associate Curator at the Rosenbach and the primary poster at the Rosen-Blog.