“The Rubens Hat,” an etching created by James Tissot in 1875, is a notable piece of Realism. This portrait, measuring 35.3 x 22.8 cm, currently resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, US.
In the artwork, a woman is depicted in a detailed side profile, her gaze directed upwards. She is adorned with an elaborate hat reminiscent of the style admired by the famed painter Rubens, featuring pronounced broad brim, ribbons, and feathers that contribute to its grandiosity. Tissot’s expertise in etching is evident in the intricate depiction of textures and fine lines, emphasizing the elegance and grace of the subject’s attire and posture. The play between light and shadow further accentuates the realism, capturing not only the physical details but also the genteel essence of the era.
