Tricorne
(Redirected from Tricornes)
Tricorne or tricorn is a style of hat that was popular during the 17th and 18th centuries. Emerging in the early 17th century as a development of the broad-brimmed hat, the tricorne had a rather short brim, turned up on three sides to form a triangular shape. This distinctive shape gave the hat its name, "tricorne" being derived from the Latin "tres" (three) and "cornu" (horns or corners). The tricorne was worn by both civilians and military personnel, becoming a key element of the military uniforms of the era, particularly for officers.
History and Use[edit | edit source]
The tricorne emerged in the early 1600s and quickly became popular across Europe. It was initially adopted by the military, with the upturned brim serving the practical purpose of allowing soldiers to carry arms or hold them on their shoulders without the hat interfering. By the mid-17th century, the tricorne became fashionable among civilians as well. It was often adorned with feathers, ribbons, or cockades, which could indicate the wearer's allegiance or social status.
In the civilian context, the tricorne was part of the Baroque and Rococo fashion trends, symbolizing elegance and sophistication. It was made from various materials, including felt, which was treated with mercury compounds to produce a smooth and durable finish. This process, however, had the unfortunate side effect of leading to mercury poisoning among hatmakers, a condition famously referred to as "mad hatter disease."
By the late 18th century, the tricorne gradually fell out of favor, replaced by the bicorne in both military and civilian fashion. The bicorne, with its two upturned sides, offered a new style that was in line with the evolving fashion sensibilities of the time.
Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]
The tricorne is closely associated with the image of the American Revolution and the French Revolution, where it was worn by key figures such as George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette. It has come to symbolize liberty and the fight against oppression, partly due to its association with these historical events.
In modern times, the tricorne is often seen in historical reenactments, theatrical productions, and as part of traditional uniforms in certain ceremonial contexts. It remains a powerful symbol of the 17th and 18th centuries, embodying the elegance, military prowess, and revolutionary spirit of the era.
In Popular Culture[edit | edit source]
The tricorne has made numerous appearances in popular culture, particularly in films, television shows, and literature set in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is often used to immediately convey the historical setting and to add authenticity to characters' costumes.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD