Man's Bicorne Hat

Currently not on view

Man's Bicorne Hat

c. 1800-1825

Artist/maker unknown, French Worn by George Harrison , while in diplomatic service (American, 1762–1845)

Hats with the brim folded up on two sides (a variant on the earlier three-cornered hat) were adopted by young fops in the late eighteenth century. Bicornes, as they later came to be called, could be worn pointed front to back or, as Napoleon preferred, side to side. Long after the fashion for bicornes passed, they remained part of many uniforms, including formal diplomatic wear. For this ceremonial role, the crescent-shaped hats were not usually worn on the head, but carried flat under the arm as what became known as chapeau bras.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Titles:

Man's Bicorne Hat

Date:

c. 1800-1825

Artists:

Artist/maker unknown, French Worn by George Harrison , while in diplomatic service (American, 1762–1845)

Medium:

Black fur felt; black ostrich plumes; black moiré ribbed silk ribbon; metallic thread braid; gold metal button

Dimensions:

Width: 18 inches (45.7 cm)

Classification:

Costume (including accessories)

Credit Line:

Gift of Mrs. William Howard Hart, 1956

Accession Number:

1956-29-5

Geography:

Made in Paris, France, Europe

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Currently not on view