Toque

Unknown

ca. 1913 · silk, feathers · Costume Institute

In a delicate interplay of form and decoration, the stark helmet-like shape of this toque is balanced with a single spectacular ornamental splash. The stuffed bird of paradise is artistically arranged with dyed ostrich, presenting the bird as if nesting amongst green grass. While the soft, flowing spray of the bird's tail is more in keeping with earlier taste, the dynamic tension created by the rather precarious positioning of the bird on the side of the crown and the resolute but controlled sweep of the brim are indicative of a more modern sensibility.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1913

Medium

silk, feathers

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Stephen J. Griswold, 1950