The Black Hat

"The Black Hat," painted in 1914 by Edward Charles Volkert Reiber, draws our attention to a woman lost in thought. The Currier Museum of Art houses this elegant portrait, where the subject's captivating presence is emphasized by the artist's masterful use of light and shadow. Reiber, known for his portraiture, captures a quiet moment of contemplation. The woman, adorned in a luxurious black velvet dress, sits gracefully on a gold-accented chaise longue. Her gaze, directed away from the viewer, suggests a world of thoughts and emotions hidden beneath the surface. The wide-brimmed black hat, adorned with a delicate feather, adds an air of mystery and sophistication. The muted brown background further emphasizes the woman's presence, making her the focal point of the composition. Measuring almost a meter wide and over a meter tall, "The Black Hat" invites us to contemplate the inner life of its subject, a timeless portrayal of elegance and introspection.