Evening bonnet

The bonnet of the 1840s was a scaled-down version of the flamboyant 1830s model with its exaggerated brim and heavy ornamentation. The style seen here relies on rich color and manipulation of fabric to achieve visual interest. The maker, New York City milliner Margaret Swan, who worked on McDougal Street, wrapped and folded the velvet at the crown and added a mass of self loops to the side, taking full advantage of the effects of light on the rich green velvet nap.



Accession record notes: "This bonnet was made by the great-aunt of the donor, Margaret Swan, who was a milliner and worked on McDougal Street, New York City."