alb3680452

TOP HAT

Top hat. Culture: American. Designer: Nash (American). Date: ca. 1850.
The black "topper" quickly became the most common men's hat of the 19th century, evolving with some modifications in height and brim shape from the earliest versions that appeared in the 1800s. Initially appropriate for daily wear, the top hat was reserved for more formal occasions in the late 19th century, a tradition that continues in the 21st century. By the time this hat was made, silk plush had replaced beaver fur as the favored material for hatmakers. Coincidentally, the maker and retailer of this hat, Nash, operated from a shop on Astor Street in Manhattan, named in honor of John Jacob Astor (1763-1848), a man who built his fortune on the demand for beaver fur used to make hats in the late 18th century  and early 19th century.
Share
pinterestPinterest
twitterTwitter
facebookFacebook
emailEmail

Add to another lightbox

Add to another lightbox

add to lightbox print share
Do you already have an account? Sign in
You do not have an account? Register
Buy this image
Loading...
Title:
TOP HAT
Caption:
Top hat. Culture: American. Designer: Nash (American). Date: ca. 1850. The black "topper" quickly became the most common men's hat of the 19th century, evolving with some modifications in height and brim shape from the earliest versions that appeared in the 1800s. Initially appropriate for daily wear, the top hat was reserved for more formal occasions in the late 19th century, a tradition that continues in the 21st century. By the time this hat was made, silk plush had replaced beaver fur as the favored material for hatmakers. Coincidentally, the maker and retailer of this hat, Nash, operated from a shop on Astor Street in Manhattan, named in honor of John Jacob Astor (1763-1848), a man who built his fortune on the demand for beaver fur used to make hats in the late 18th century and early 19th century.
Technique/material:
SILK
Museum:
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
Credit:
Album / Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY
Releases:
Model: No - Property: No
Rights questions?
Image size:
3159 x 4200 px | 38.0 MB
Print size:
26.7 x 35.6 cm | 10.5 x 14.0 in (300 dpi)