Getty medievalist Larisa Grollemond discusses iconic headwear of the Middle Ages
Bagoas/Bagoe Pleads on Behalf of Nabarzanes (detail), about 1470-75, Master of the Jardin de vertueuse consolation. Tempera colors, gold, and ink on parchment, 17 x 13 in. Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig XV 8 (83.MR.178), fol. 133v
Ever wonder why princesses wear pointy hats?
Called hennins, they were once the fashion statement of the Middle Ages.
Philosophy Presenting the Seven Liberal Arts to Boethius, about 1460-1470, Coëtivy Master. Tempera colors, gold leaf, and gold paint, 2 3/8 × 6 11/16 in. Getty Museum, 91.MS.11.2.verso
Hennins could be short and flat-topped or tall and pointed. They were usually covered with a veil and worn off the back of the head to accentuate a high forehead, which was trendy at the time.
Portrait of Isabella of Portugal, about 1450, Workshop of Rogier van der Weyden. Oil on panel, 18 1/8 × 14 5/8 in. Getty Museum, 78.PB.3
Some women would even pluck their hairlines to give the impression of a bigger forehead.
Bagoas/Bagoe Pleads on Behalf of Nabarzanes, about 1470-75, Master of the Jardin de vertueuse consolation. Tempera colors, gold, and ink on parchment, 17 x 13 in. Getty Museum, Ms. Ludwig XV 8 (83.MR.178), fol. 133v
So now you know a little bit more about the origin of these iconic conical hats.
All of these images of medieval princess hats are available to download for free by searching Getty’s Open Content Online Library.
Want to learn more about life in the Middle Ages from medievalist Larisa Grollemond? Head to our Instagram page.
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