Bicorne
The bicorne is a two-pointed hat, usually seen in portraits of Bonaparte, or Wellington, or Admiral Lord Nelson, during the time of the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815).
Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
It is still seen in ceremonial dress, though usually in fore-and-aft fashion, whereas Bonaparte et al wore theirs side-to-side, or ‘athwart.’
By the beginning of the nineteenth century, the practice of wearing bicornes fore-and-aft became more popular. It was more practical, because there was reduced wind resistance, when marching or riding, and a smaller likelihood of interference with weapons. There was also less chance of it being knocked off!
Napoleon famously continued to wear his athwart, while Wellington, according to the author Simon Scarrow, altered his from athwart to fore-and-aft to indicate that he was on active duty.
I'd always wondered why Napoleon wore his sideways.
ReplyDeleteHe was a cunning devil - a brilliant general.
DeleteFore and aft would be better for keeping the rain off, I think.
ReplyDeleteYou're right.
DeleteInteresting 😀 x
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
I thought so. 😃
DeleteVery interesting. I had noticed that both Wellington and Napolean wore similar hats, though in different ways. And there is Princess Anne too. An impressive sort of headwear hpwever it's worn.
ReplyDeleteYou do come up with a most fascinating variety of topics.
I do like to know 'how' and 'why' . . . 😷
DeleteWho knew how much a hat would indicate?
ReplyDeleteJust look at sports fans . . .
DeleteThis is a fabulous post. A bit of history that I didn't know about. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure.
DeleteNothing is coincidence when it comes to uniforms or any kind of ceremonial dress.
ReplyDeleteThere is a purpose to everything, though not always clear.
DeleteI had never given much (or any) thought to this headgear and its significance. Once again you have enlightened me.
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame head coverings have largely gone out of fashion.
DeleteThis is quite insightful. Respiclear seems to align with these recommendations.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteSomething else I never knew.
ReplyDelete. . . and probably never needed to . . . 🤣😂
DeleteI had no idea they still worn this type of clothing.
ReplyDeleteIt's ceremonial now.
DeleteAnother little tidbit, I didn’t know. Seems to me that every time I’ve seen Princess Anne, she’s always been dressed in military garb so perhaps it doesn’t surprise me that she wears this hat. It could be just that I’ve seen her on occasions where Royals are mandated or encouraged to wear regalia connected with their military service, but I don’t think I have ever seen her in Civilian dress.
ReplyDeleteShe looks quite normal in civilian dress.
Delete'Athwart' lovely word and new to me.
ReplyDeleteIt rolls nicely off the tongue. doesn't it?
DeleteI sometimes look at these types of historical clothing and think "but does it make sense" and alas, still no.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the circumstances, and whether or not you need to be seen.
DeleteHow interesting.
ReplyDeleteSomehow this hat suits Princess Anne.
All the best Jan
It does, I agree.
DeleteSo glad to be back on the blog. I have missed your informative and interesting posts.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back. It's so nice to see you. 😃
DeleteI had no idea about this hat.
ReplyDeleteIt's not general wear - probably just as well. 😂
DeleteI've heard of a tricorne, but bicorne is new to me.
ReplyDeleteBefore your time, Andrew. 😎
DeleteI never gave much thought to the hats worn in older times, Princess Anne does look good in hers. Was the bicorne only Navy wear? I'm wondering now who wore tricornes.
ReplyDeleteBicornes were worn by naval and military officers and important officials.
DeleteStrange headgear whether worn "fore-and-aft" or "athwart," in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteNoticeable, though.
DeleteNext time I wear my bicorne, which will be the first time, I will be fully informed as to the significance of the orientation on my head. Essential knowledge!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely - then, at least. 😉
DeleteNice to learn what those hats are called.
ReplyDeleteI have seen uncountable faces of Napoleon, but he has never the same face, here he looks nearly handsome, I don't think he wasn't in reality, painters always made the original more beautiful. the hats I see each year when they play "battle" !
ReplyDelete