Two Women Wearing Hats and with Cigars

Label

Like the photograph nearby, this studio portrait similarly depicts women dressed in masculine clothing and accessories. It also shares its sense of the joy that accompanies gender defiance—in this case, choosing to dress outside of society’s expectations. For much of the 20th century, gender performance had to adhere to strict social norms or face the possibility of social and even material repercussions. These norms, learned through others’ behaviors and their reactions to our own behavior, attempted to confine people to certain ways of being. Even so, these women paid to be photographed in this way, perhaps providing a window into a different kind of existence.

From the 2026 exhibition A Space for Dialogue 131, I Remember Who I Am When I'm With You, curated by Madeleine A. Saraisky ‘26, Class of 1954 Intern

Exhibition History

A Space for Dialogue 131, I Remember Who I Am When I'm With You, Madeleine A. Saraisky ‘26, Class of 1954 Intern, Alvin P. Gutman Gallery, Hood Museum of Art, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, July 18 - August 30, 2026.

Provenance

Peter J. Cohen, New York, New York; given to present collection, 2017.

This record is part of an active database that includes information from historic documentation that may not have been recently reviewed. Information may be inaccurate or incomplete. We also acknowledge some language and imagery may be offensive, violent, or discriminatory. These records reflect the institution’s history or the views of artists or scholars, past and present. Our collections research is ongoing.

We welcome questions, feedback, and suggestions for improvement. Please contact us at: Hood.Collections@dartmouth.edu

Subjects